A donation is not an exchange, it’s a reciprocal gift. I don’t need to donate, I want to because their coverage is good and I want that to continue. It’s entirely voluntary on my part, I am not compelled to donate to access their content. Plus, I’m helping keep that content free for people who can’t afford to donate.
Now, ask yourself how WaPo is still running despite being so far in the red. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?