After a distinguished career spanning almost 25 years as a revered New York Times Opinion columnist, Paul Krugman announced his plans for retirement on Friday, with his final column set to be published at the end of the year.
The renowned American economist and Nobel laureate has been a prominent figure at the publication since his inaugural column on Jan. 2, 2000, where he foresaw the emergence of the “Second Global Economy” driven by American principles and the potential of globalization.
Kathleen Kingsbury, the Opinion editor at the Times, commended Krugman for his “authoritative voice” and engaging writing style in a heartfelt farewell memo. She praised his ability to elucidate complex economic concepts for readers in a clear and compelling manner.
Furthermore, Kingsbury lauded Krugman for fearlessly championing unpopular truths, such as his vocal opposition to the Iraq War and various policies of the George W. Bush administration, as well as his critiques of Barack Obama’s response to the Great Recession and Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
As Krugman prepares to pen his final column, the Times’ Opinion audience director, Liriel Higa, reflected on his accessibility and relatability to readers. Despite his prestigious accolades, Krugman remained down-to-earth, engaging with readers in comments sections, sharing insights on air fryers in an Opinion TikTok, and expressing his love for his feline companions.
The impending retirement of Paul Krugman marks the end of an era at the New York Times, as readers eagerly await his farewell column and celebrate his enduring impact on economic discourse.
