Washington Post CEO Resigns Days After Laying Off a Third of Staff Amid Financial Crisis

Washington – EcoPulse24

In a surprising move that triggered widespread reactions, Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of The Washington Post, announced his resignation on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This came just days after the newspaper laid off more than a third of its staff - over 300 journalists - in one of its largest-ever staff reductions. The decision followed two years of mounting financial losses, reaching $100 million annually, and harsh criticism over Lewis' absence during the recent crisis.

Lewis sent a brief message to employees stating, "After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time to step aside." Journalists were particularly angered by his absence during the layoff announcement on February 4, as staff received termination notices via email while Lewis attended the NFL Honors red-carpet event in San Francisco.

The layoffs had a severe impact, including:
- Closure of the Cairo bureau
- Termination of all Middle East correspondents and editors
- Elimination of sports and books coverage
- Major reductions in local and international reporting
- Dismissal of reporter Lizzie Johnson while she was covering a war zone in Ukraine

Former executive editor Marty Baron described the day as "one of the darkest" in the paper's history.

Lewis, who took over in November 2023 after senior roles at The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, was tasked with reversing deepening losses. The crisis was exacerbated by subscriber losses, controversial editorial shifts, and failed initiatives like the "Third Newsroom." Executive editor Sally Buzbee resigned in June 2024 following disputes with Lewis, and newsroom unrest led to the cancellation of her replacement.

Union and staff reactions were scathing, with the Washington Post Guild calling for immediate reversal of layoffs or a sale of the paper. Notably, owner Jeff Bezos’ statement on the transition did not mention Lewis.

CFO Jeff Donofrio, who joined in June 2025, has been named interim CEO. Donofrio pledged to lead the paper toward a "sustainable and successful future." Meanwhile, the union raised nearly half a million dollars for laid-off staff in a show of solidarity.

Lewis's resignation marks the end of a turbulent period defined by heavy losses, subscriber decline, internal strife, and controversial leadership. The future of The Washington Post now hinges on whether its new leadership can navigate both financial and journalistic challenges.

Sources: NPR, CNN, Variety, The Washington Post, Washington Post Guild

Last updated: February 8, 2026.