The Washington Post plans layoffs of nearly 100 employees, about 4% of its workforce, as part of efforts to reduce mounting financial losses. The Washington Post layoffs primarily target business-side staff of the iconic newspaper owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. These cuts highlight the ongoing struggles of the publication, which, like many traditional news outlets, faces fierce competition in the digital advertising space.

In 2023, the Washington Post reported losses of $77 million and declining website readership. To address these issues, the newspaper offered voluntary buyouts to reduce headcount by 10%. Despite these measures, 250,000 readers canceled subscriptions after controversial editorial decisions.

Editorial Decisions and Talent Exodus
Turmoil at the Washington Post intensified after Bezos blocked the newspaper from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris before the 2024 presidential election. In an opinion piece, Bezos explained the move, citing concerns about public perceptions of media bias. This decision sparked backlash and led to a wave of subscription cancellations.

High-profile departures have further strained the newsroom. Investigative reporter Josh Dawsey confirmed his move to The Wall Street Journal, while managing editor Matea Gold left for The New York Times. Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes also resigned after the newspaper refused to publish her satirical cartoon criticizing Bezos and other tycoons.

Bezos’s Role and Controversial Moves
Tensions escalated when Bezos announced a $1 million donation to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund and a $1 million in-kind contribution. He also praised Trump’s re-election as “an extraordinary political comeback” and attended a celebratory dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

These controversies highlight the growing conflict between Bezos’s leadership and the Washington Post’s editorial values, further compounding challenges for the storied publication.