Washington, D.C., February 8, 2026
Will Lewis has resigned as publisher and CEO of The Washington Post following significant layoffs that affected one-third of the staff. His departure follows the elimination of the sports section, the closure of foreign bureaus, and a reduction in the photography department. Jeff D’Onofrio, the Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed interim publisher. The Washington Post Guild expressed relief at Lewis’s exit while urging owner Jeff Bezos to reconsider the layoffs as the paper undergoes significant restructuring to address financial challenges.
Washington, D.C.
Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Resigns Amid Mass Layoffs
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis has resigned following significant layoffs affecting approximately one-third of the newspaper’s staff. His departure comes just days after the publication announced the elimination of its sports section, closure of several foreign bureaus, and reduction of its photography department. Chief Financial Officer Jeff D’Onofrio has been appointed as the interim publisher.
Lewis’s resignation follows a tumultuous tenure marked by multiple rounds of layoffs and internal controversies. Under his leadership, the Post faced criticism for its editorial decisions, including a controversial move to withdraw a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign, which led to a significant loss of subscribers. Additionally, Lewis’s attempt to hire Robert Winnett as top editor was met with backlash due to ethical concerns. The Washington Post Guild, representing staff members, welcomed Lewis’s exit but urged owner Jeff Bezos to rescind the layoffs or sell the paper to someone more committed to its future.
Jeff D’Onofrio, who joined the Post in June 2025 as Chief Financial Officer, will serve as acting publisher and CEO. D’Onofrio has a background in digital and media companies, including roles at Raptive, Tumblr, Yahoo, and Google. Owner Jeff Bezos expressed confidence in the new leadership, emphasizing the Post’s essential journalistic mission and the opportunity to focus on areas of value to readers.
The Washington Post, known for its investigative journalism and historical significance, is undergoing significant restructuring to adapt to changing media landscapes and financial challenges. The recent layoffs and leadership changes reflect the ongoing efforts to ensure the newspaper’s sustainability and future success.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resignation of Will Lewis | Will Lewis resigned as publisher and CEO of The Washington Post following significant layoffs affecting approximately one-third of the newspaper’s staff. |
| Leadership Change | Jeff D’Onofrio, the Chief Financial Officer since June 2025, has been appointed as acting publisher and CEO. |
| Restructuring Measures | The Washington Post has undergone significant restructuring, including the elimination of its sports section, closure of several foreign bureaus, and reduction of its photography department. |
| Washington Post Guild’s Response | The Washington Post Guild welcomed Will Lewis’s exit but urged owner Jeff Bezos to rescind the layoffs or sell the paper to someone more committed to its future. |
| Future of The Washington Post | The Washington Post is undergoing significant restructuring to adapt to changing media landscapes and financial challenges, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure the newspaper’s sustainability and future success. |
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