Complex Response To Question
Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of Automattic, was asked by a WordPress developer to restore Automattic’s contributions to the WordPress core. The developer expressed concern about the pace of WordPress core development and the impact of Automattic’s reduced contributions on his business and others.
Mullenweg’s Response
Mullenweg did not directly respond to the request, instead, he shifted the focus to WP Engine’s lawsuit, implying that the responsibility lay with them. He stated that Automattic’s contributions would resume only if WP Engine dropped its lawsuit, effectively dismissing the request.
Automattic’s Scaled-Back WordPress Contributions
Automattic announced in January 2025 that they were scaling back their contributions to the WordPress core to those related to security and critical updates. They attributed their decision to WP Engine’s lawsuits.
WordCamp Attendee Urges Mullenweg To Reinstate Core Contributions
A WordCamp Asia 2025 attendee shared his concerns, as a business owner and plugin developer, for the stagnation of WordPress core development. He asked Mullenweg to reconsider Automattic’s decision and provide more resources to the core development.
Mullenweg’s Condition For Restoring Core Contributions
Mullenweg responded that Automattic is spending millions of dollars to defend itself against WP Engine’s lawsuits, making it difficult to contribute to the WordPress core. He stated that the decision to restore Automattic’s core contributions hinges on WP Engine dropping its lawsuit and encouraged the audience to pressure WP Engine.
Mullenweg Asks Audience To Pressure WP Engine To Drop Lawsuit
The attendee asked Mullenweg to reconsider Automattic’s decision, but Mullenweg emphasized that it’s out of his control, stating that Automattic cannot restore its contributions until the lawsuit is over. He asked the audience to pressure WP Engine to drop the lawsuit.
Conclusion
Mullenweg’s response did not directly address the concern about the pace of WordPress core development, instead, he framed the decision to restore Automattic’s core contributions as dependent on WP Engine dropping its lawsuit. He emphasized the financial and legal burden of defending against WP Engine’s lawsuit, making it difficult for Automattic to contribute at previous levels.