Trump should host the media review

The CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, who is generally trying to stay out of the political fray, on Thursday night launched a vigorous defense of press freedom, saying that President Donald Trump should be delighted to do the same. 39, subject to media scrutiny.

The remarks were made during a one-hour conversation with billionaire and hedge fund philanthropist David Rubenstein at an annual rally of the Economic Club of Washington, led by Rubenstein. After discussing the success of the Washington Post, purchased by Bezos in 2013, Rubenstein asked how Bezos responded to critics – some of which came from Trump's Twitter feed – Amazon (AMZN) and the post office.

"I do not feel the need to defend Amazon," said Bezos. "But I will say this: I think it's a mistake for an elected representative to attack the media and journalists."

"There is no public figure who has ever liked their titles, it's good, it's part of the process," Bezos said. I said. "What the president should say, it is:" That's right, I'm happy to be examined. "It would be so safe and confident."

Demonizing the media and calling them "the enemies of the people" is dangerous, Bezos said.

"We live in a society where the laws of the land do not protect us, it's also the social norms that protect us, and every time you attack that, you erode them a bit," he said.

The remarks were greeted by the applause of the wealthy public, double the usual attendance of the club.

Many were eager to hear clues about Bezos' decision to place Amazon's second seat in the running, with many sites around the nation's capital. The dinner was sponsored by a coalition funded by local promoters to advocate for more affordable housing in the area. Bezos was in town with his parents, who run the Bezos Family Foundation.

Participants included Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, Chief of the General Service Administration, Postmaster and other local dignitaries. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam was scheduled to attend, but was unable to do so due to hurricane Florence's approach. Instead, he sent his director of economic development.

Bezos disappointed them all, saying only that he would make a decision on the location of the new headquarters before the end of the year.

CNNMoney (New York) First published on September 13, 2018: 23:03 ET