Salon, the progressive online magazine known for its provocative takes and left-leaning commentary, has shut down after 31 years in operation. The closure has drawn pointed remarks from conservative rival Breitbart News, which had long been a frequent target of Salon’s criticism.
Breitbart columnist John Nolte didn’t hold back in his reaction, framing Salon’s demise as a victory against what he called its ‘toxic’ cultural influence. He specifically cited Salon’s past coverage of LGBTQ+ issues and its critiques of conservative figures as evidence of its alleged extremism.
A Longstanding Media Rivalry
The feud between the two outlets was particularly heated during the 2016 election, when Salon frequently accused Breitbart of promoting far-right conspiracy theories and amplifying Donald Trump’s campaign. Nolte’s column highlights multiple instances where Salon targeted Breitbart, including recent accusations that the conservative site was part of a right-wing effort to ‘weaponize justice’ against progressive lawmakers like Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Nolte also took aim at Salon’s editorial direction, mocking past headlines and opinion pieces that he claimed pushed radical social positions. While Salon’s actual reporting covered a wide range of topics, its progressive stances on gender, sexuality, and politics made it a frequent lightning rod for conservative criticism.
No Sympathy from the Right
Despite acknowledging the job losses at Salon, Nolte made clear he had little sympathy. ‘I’m as sorry for everyone at Salon losing their jobs as everyone at Salon would be if everyone at Breitbart News lost their jobs,’ he wrote, framing the closure as a form of poetic justice.
The shuttering of Salon marks another shift in the digital media landscape, where ideological outlets often thrive—or collapse—based on their ability to sustain reader engagement and financial backing. While progressives lament the loss of a longstanding progressive voice, conservatives like Nolte see it as a sign that what they view as extremist rhetoric has its limits.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2026/11/09/nolte-salon-relentlessly-smeared-breitbart-news-now-salon-is-gone/