Sunday 8 February 2026Afternoon Edition

ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

World

Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Resigns After Contentious Tenure, Tumblr Former Head Named Acting Chief

Lewis departure follows mass layoffs cutting nearly one-third of staff as former Tumblr CEO Jeff DOnofrio steps into leadership role

Zotpaper••3 min read•📰 5 sources
Will Lewis, the controversial CEO and publisher of The Washington Post, has abruptly resigned just days after the newspaper announced devastating layoffs that cut nearly one-third of its entire staff. Jeff DOnofrio, who led Tumblr from 2017 to 2022 and has been serving as CFO at the Post since June, will take over as acting CEO and publisher.

Lewis, a former Murdoch media executive, was appointed by owner Jeff Bezos in early 2024 to turn around the struggling publication. His tenure was marked by controversy, including his conspicuous absence from the all-staff meeting where this week's cuts were announced.

The layoffs eliminated more than 300 journalist positions, representing one of the most significant reductions in the newspaper's history. Staff members protested outside the building, holding signs reading "Democracy Dies in Darkness" — the Post's own slogan turned against its leadership.

DOnofrio's appointment has raised eyebrows among media observers. His time at Tumblr was characterized by controversial decisions, including the platform's infamous ban on adult content in 2018, which many credit with accelerating the site's decline. Whether he can stabilize the Post during this tumultuous period remains to be seen.

The shakeup comes at a critical time for American journalism, with the Trump administration increasingly hostile to mainstream media outlets. The Post, which built its reputation on the Watergate investigation, now faces questions about its future direction under Bezos's ownership.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The Washington Post is not just any newspaper — it's a symbol of American press freedom and investigative journalism. Its gutting at this moment, when scrutiny of those in power has never been more important, sends a chilling message about the economics and politics of journalism.

Background

Jeff Bezos purchased the Post in 2013 for $250 million, promising to invest in its future. After initial growth, the paper has struggled financially, losing readers and advertisers. Lewis was brought in to stem the bleeding but instead appears to have accelerated the publication's decline.

Key Perspectives

Journalists and media critics have condemned the cuts as shortsighted and potentially politically motivated. Some speculate Bezos is distancing himself from potential Trump administration retaliation. Others argue the Post simply failed to adapt to digital media economics.

What to Watch

DOnofrio's leadership decisions in the coming weeks will signal whether this is a genuine turnaround effort or merely managed decline. Watch for any changes to political coverage and whether remaining staff can maintain the Post's investigative tradition.

Sources