Pulitzer Prize Winner Ann Telnaes Leaves Washington Post

Ann Telnaes, a renowned editorial cartoonist, was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her work, recognized for its piercing commentary and fearlessness in holding powerful people and institutions accountable, just months after her departure from the Washington Post.

Telnaes' resignation from the Washington Post in 2025 came after one of her cartoons was rejected, featuring a depiction of President Trump and Mickey Mouse, which was deemed too critical. The cartoon showed billionaire executives handing money to Trump, with Mickey Mouse bowing in the background. This incident marked the first time her editor had prevented her from performing her critical role as an editorial cartoonist.

The Pulitzer board commended Telnaes for her fearless commentary on powerful individuals and institutions. Her work has been widely recognized, and this award is a testament to her dedication to holding those in power accountable. Telnaes had joined the Post in 2008 and was a valued member of the team until her departure in January, after a cartoon showing Bezos and other tech billionaires genuflecting to Donald Trump was rejected by the paper's then-opinions editor, David Shipley.

The award is a significant recognition of Telnaes' contributions to editorial cartooning, and her fearlessness in speaking truth to power. Her departure from the Washington Post has sparked a conversation about the role of editorial cartoonists in holding those in power accountable, and the importance of fearless commentary in a free press.