
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and several related projects, has announced a reduction in its support for the core WordPress.org CMS project. The company attributed the decision to legal challenges from WP Engine and criticism from members of the WordPress community. The announcement has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing Automattic of prioritizing its commercial interests over the open-source platform’s long-term health.
In a statement, Automattic described the move as a necessary step to “secure the future of WordPress for generations to come.” The company emphasized that its decision was not taken lightly, framing the reduction in support as part of a strategic realignment to ensure its contributions remain impactful. Critics, however, argue that the announcement reflects a shift in focus away from the open-source nature of WordPress and toward Automattic’s for-profit ventures.
Automattic pointed to an ongoing legal dispute with WP Engine as a major factor in the decision. The company stated that defending itself against the lawsuit has consumed significant time and resources, which could have otherwise been directed toward supporting WordPress. While Automattic expressed hope that WP Engine would drop the lawsuit, critics contend that the company’s framing of itself as a victim ignores its role in escalating tensions.
The announcement also addressed criticism from the WordPress community, accusing certain members—referred to with quotation marks as the “community”—of launching personal attacks against Automattic employees and its CEO, Matt Mullenweg. This language has been perceived as dismissive, with many interpreting the use of scare quotes as an attempt to delegitimize critics and deflect attention from their concerns. Critics argue that these critics include many of the platform’s most dedicated contributors, who have worked tirelessly to ensure WordPress’s success.
Adding to the controversy, Automattic revealed plans to reallocate resources previously dedicated to WordPress.org toward its commercial projects, including WordPress.com, Jetpack, and WooCommerce. This move has drawn criticism from those who believe it prioritizes corporate interests over the open-source community. Many fear that reducing contributions to WordPress.org will weaken the platform’s foundation and compromise its collaborative nature.
Observers have also taken issue with the language used in Automattic’s statement, accusing the company of employing doublespeak to mask the true impact of its decision. Phrases like “this realignment is not an end, but a new beginning” have been criticized as attempts to portray a negative development as a positive one. Critics argue that withdrawing support for the core project does not strengthen WordPress but instead undermines its future.
The backlash to Automattic’s announcement has been swift, with members of the WordPress community taking to social media to voice their frustrations. Many highlighted the dismissive tone of the statement, particularly the use of scare quotes around the word “community.” Some commenters suggested that Automattic’s actions reflect a larger governance issue within the WordPress ecosystem, calling for a more inclusive approach to decision-making that incorporates the voices of all stakeholders.
This announcement marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Automattic and WP Engine, which has been described by Mullenweg as a “nuclear” dispute. The controversy has highlighted deeper issues of governance and resource allocation within the WordPress project, raising questions about the platform’s future.
For many, the strength of WordPress lies in its open-source spirit and collaborative community. Automattic’s decision to reduce support for WordPress.org has sparked concerns about whether that spirit can be sustained in the face of growing commercial interests and internal divisions. As the community navigates this challenging period, the hope remains that a more inclusive and balanced governance structure will emerge, ensuring the long-term success of WordPress.

Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones is a talented writer at J Morgan Marketing, where she excels in creating compelling and engaging content tailored to meet the unique needs of clients. With a keen understanding of digital marketing strategies, Jessica crafts narratives that not only captivate audiences but also drive brand growth. Her expertise spans across various content forms, from blog posts and articles to social media and SEO-driven copy, ensuring that every piece resonates with its intended audience and contributes to the overall marketing goals. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, Jessica is dedicated to helping brands connect with their audience through powerful and effective content.