Washington Post Layoffs Spark Staff Protest Outside DC Headquarters
Following the recent layoffs at the Washington Post, former staff and supporters gathered outside the newspaper’s Washington, D.C., headquarters to protest the significant cuts. On February 5, 2026, approximately a third of the newsroom staff were let go, sparking widespread outrage.
Protest Organized by Unions
The rally was organized by the Post News Guild and the Post Tech Guild unions. Both groups aimed to raise awareness about the effects of the layoffs on the newspaper and the community it serves. Protesters included former journalists, tech workers, and community advocates.
Impact on Journalistic Coverage
Former transportation reporter Rachel Weiner, who dedicated 15 years to the Post, expressed her disappointment regarding the layoffs. She emphasized that the recent cuts would severely hinder the paper’s ability to cover vital local issues.
Michael Brice-Saddler, a D.C. communities reporter, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Metro section would struggle to serve the community effectively without adequate resources. “How is the Metro desk supposed to earn the community’s trust if you keep taking resources away?” he questioned.
Loss of the Sports Department
The layoffs included the complete disbanding of the sports department, eliciting strong emotional responses from former staff. Molly Hensley-Clancy, a former sports reporter, called the cuts “heartbreaking” and criticized the decision as senseless. “There is simply no Washington Post without sports,” she declared.
Wider Ramifications of Layoffs
Ex-enterprise reporter Marissa J. Lang warned that the ramifications of losing over 300 journalists would extend far beyond the newsroom. “The region and the country are worse off having lost these incredible reporters,” she stated to the crowd.
Community Solidarity
Several former employees who were not impacted by the layoffs attended to show their support. Kathryn Tolbert, a retired staff member with 27 years of tenure, remarked on the fundamental change occurring within the paper, calling it “heartbreaking.” She believes this moment marks a significant shift in the paper’s identity.
- Date of Layoffs: February 5, 2026
- Proportion of Staff Laid Off: Approximately one-third
- Organizer Unions: Post News Guild, Post Tech Guild
- Former Employees Speak: Rachel Weiner, Michael Brice-Saddler, Molly Hensley-Clancy, Marissa J. Lang, Kathryn Tolbert
The community’s response highlights the critical role that journalism plays in holding power accountable. As the Washington Post navigates this tumultuous period, the effects of these layoffs will undoubtedly resonate throughout the industry.
