By Andrew Kirell and Brian Stelter
Updated Feb 7, 2026
In a startling turn of events, Will Lewis, the publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, has stepped down just days after the newspaper enacted significant layoffs, which resulted in the loss of one-third of its workforce, including around 300 journalists. This decision comes amidst growing discontent within the newsroom and raises questions about the future of one of America’s most prestigious news organizations.
A Sudden Departure
Lewis announced his departure on Saturday afternoon in a brief note to staff. In it, he expressed gratitude to Jeff Bezos, the owner of the Post, for his support throughout Lewis’s tenure, stating, “After two years of transformation at The Washington Post, now is the right time for me to step aside.” He also mentioned the difficult decisions made during his time to ensure the newspaper’s sustainability.
The abrupt nature of Lewis’s resignation has caused ripples throughout the newsroom, with journalists openly celebrating the announcement. Many staffers have indicated that Lewis's leadership had become untenable due to his handling of the recent layoffs and overarching management style.
Jeff D’Onofrio, who joined the Post as CFO last June, takes over as acting publisher and CEO with immediate effect. In a memo addressed to staff, D’Onofrio expressed his commitment to guiding the Post towards a successful future anchored by strong journalism.
Background of Struggles
Lewis began his term as publisher of The Washington Post in November 2023, succeeding a period marked by financial instability and dwindling morale within the newsroom. During his time, The Post faced escalating criticism regarding his management style and decisions, particularly in light of the drastic layoffs.
His previous experiences, including publishing roles at The Wall Street Journal and The Daily Telegraph, had positioned him as a promising candidate to inject fresh energy into the Post. However, controversies soon surrounded his leadership. In December 2023, NPR reported accusations suggesting Lewis’s involvement in covering up aspects of the infamous phone-hacking scandal tied to Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. Lewis has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
His administration faced further scrutiny in June 2024 when allegations surfaced that he attempted to dissuade NPR from publishing a story regarding these accusations by offering an interview in exchange for its retraction. This, coupled with his controversial decision to dismiss executive editor Sally Buzbee, further strained relationships between Lewis and the newsroom staff.
The Fallout
The latest round of layoffs, which Lewis was thought to have endorsed, did not include communication with staff regarding the decision. Many newsroom employees expressed outrage when they learned of Lewis's red carpet appearance at a pre-Super Bowl event, prompting sentiments that he had lost touch with the realities faced by his journalists.
The Washington Post Guild, a union representing many of the paper's employees, released a statement labeling Lewis’s exit as “long overdue.” They stated, “His legacy will be the attempted destruction of a great American journalism institution,” urging Bezos to reverse the layoffs or sell the paper to someone who would be willing to invest in its future.
Path Forward
As the publication navigates this turbulent transition, Jeff Bezos offered his perspective, emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and the need for responsive business strategies in order to align with the desires of their readership. The appointment of D’Onofrio marks a potential shift in direction for the Post, with a reemphasis on journalistic quality as a guiding principle.
This ongoing saga at The Washington Post highlights the complexities and challenges facing the media industry today. The pressures of maintaining a profitable news organization while adhering to journalistic standards continue to create friction within newsrooms, as seen in this recent upheaval.
As developments unfold in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on The Washington Post to see if it can stabilize and return to its foundational role as a pillar of American journalism.
For the latest updates on this story, follow our coverage on CNN Business.
