In Colombia, there is a popular saying: "Don't kick the lunchbox," which warns against actions that might upset those who pay our salary. This seems to have been the case for Ann Telnaes, who decided to step down after the newspaper's editorial board chose not to publish her daily cartoon.

The illustration reportedly mocked Jeff Bezos, owner of "The Washington Post", and a group of tech billionaires for their attitudes toward President-elect Donald Trump.

The cartoon's message resonated with the opinions of many: Donald Trump's presidency opens significant opportunities for the tech industry, which might explain the favorable positions of some business leaders toward his administration.

However, the issue takes on a troubling dimension when considering what is at stake: nothing less than free speech, a cornerstone of any democracy.

"Democracy cannot function without a free press," Telnaes stated in a post on her Substack page.

Editorial Independence Under Threat

In her post, Telnaes explained her reasons for leaving: "The cartoon that was killed criticizes the billionaire tech and media chief executives who have been doing their best to curry favor with incoming President-elect Trump. There have been multiple articles recently about these men with lucrative government contracts and an interest in eliminating regulations making their way to Mar-a-Lago. The group in the cartoon included Mark Zuckerberg/Facebook & Meta founder and CEO, Sam Altman/AI CEO, Patrick Soon-Shiong/LA Times publisher, the Walt Disney Company/ABC News, and Jeff Bezos/Washington Post owner," she wrote.

Telnaes clarified that her decision was not impulsive but the result of years of growing tension over editorial control. Notably, reports surfaced last year about Bezos' increasing influence on the paper's editorial direction, including his opposition to the newspaper endorsing Kamala Harris during the election cycle.

A Legacy of Sharp Political Critique

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2001, Ann Telnaes is celebrated for her ability to distill complex issues into visually striking and incisive humor. During Donald Trump's presidency, her work became a reference point for those challenging the official narratives. Telnaes' cartoons criticized political leaders and exposed systemic power structures that perpetuate inequality.

Telnaes has also been a trailblazer for women in a field traditionally dominated by men. She was the second independent female cartoonist to win a Pulitzer in her specialty, and her minimalist, elegant style has influenced a new generation of political cartoonists.

The New Political Correctness

This episode raises critical questions about the boundaries of free speech in an increasingly corporate-dominated media landscape. Telnaes' resignation serves as a stark reminder that editorial independence can be at risk even in the most prestigious institutions.

Her departure also highlights a broader phenomenon: the growing dissatisfaction of creatives in traditional media facing restrictions driven by commercial interests. As journalism contends with challenges like disinformation and media consolidation, figures like Telnaes remind us of the importance of preserving integrity in public discourse.

Telnaes has indicated she will continue her work independently. "As an editorial cartoonist, my job is to hold powerful people and institutions accountable. For the first time, my editor prevented me from doing that critical job. So I have decided to leave the Post. I doubt my decision will cause much of a stir and that it will be dismissed because I’m just a cartoonist. But I will not stop holding truth to power through my cartooning, because as they say, 'Democracy dies in darkness'."