Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it sharply scales back news coverage

February 4, 2026

TL;DR

The Washington Post is laying off a third of its workforce.
Foreign coverage will be scaled back, and some sections of the paper will be shut down.
The sports department will close in its current form.
The paper's books department will be closed.
The number of journalists stationed overseas will be reduced.
Executive editor Matt Murray stated the restructuring aims to improve the paper's financial standing and adapt to new technologies and user habits.
Former executive editor Martin Baron called the cuts a dramatic diminishment of the paper's coverage.
Baron also criticized Jeff Bezos's management, suggesting his business interests interfere with the Post's welfare.
Washington Post reporters had previously sent letters to Jeff Bezos pleading against job cuts.

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