The Washington Post, one of the world's most storied journalistic institutions, has been embroiled in controversy and upheaval under the leadership of Will Lewis, who abruptly resigned as publisher after a tumultuous two-year tenure. As reported by The Guardian, Lewis's departure was met with a mix of surprise and relief from Post employees, many of whom had grown disillusioned with his leadership style and vision for the paper.
Lewis, a veteran of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, was appointed publisher in November 2023, tasked with turning around the Post's struggling finances. However, his tenure was marked by clashes with staff, controversy over his handling of high-profile stories, and criticism of his business-side efforts. Despite his initial charm and enthusiasm, Lewis's relationship with Post employees quickly soured, with many viewing him as out of touch with the paper's values and traditions.
One of the most significant controversies during Lewis's tenure was his handling of the ouster of Sally Buzbee as executive editor in early June 2024. This move was widely criticized by Post employees, who felt that Lewis had mishandled the situation and failed to provide adequate support to the newsroom. As Sally Quinn, a former Post writer and widow of former Post executive editor Ben Bradlee, noted, Lewis's charm and charisma were not enough to overcome his lack of understanding of the Post's culture and values.
Leadership Style and Controversies
Lewis's leadership style was often described as autocratic and dismissive, with many employees feeling that he was unresponsive to their concerns and ideas. His decision to appoint Robert Winnett, a former colleague from the Telegraph, as deputy editor was widely criticized, with many questioning Winnett's qualifications and judgment. As Carol D Leonnig, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, noted, Lewis's appointment of Winnett was a "disaster" that reflected poorly on his judgment and leadership abilities.
Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure, Lewis maintained a high public profile, attending prestigious events such as the Alfalfa Club dinner and interviewing prominent figures like Bill Gates. However, his absence from key events, such as the Post's Pulitzer prize celebrations, was seen as a sign that he was disconnected from the newsroom and uninterested in the paper's journalistic achievements.
Financial Struggles and Layoffs
The Post's financial struggles continued under Lewis's leadership, with the paper facing significant losses and declining readership. In an effort to cut costs, Lewis oversaw a series of layoffs, including a major round of job cuts in February 2026 that affected nearly a third of the paper's staff. This move was widely criticized by Post employees, who felt that Lewis had failed to provide adequate support or guidance during a time of great uncertainty and upheaval.
As Ruth Marcus, a former Post columnist, noted, Lewis's departure was met with a sense of relief and celebration among many Post employees. "The news of Lewis's departure triggered a thousand celebratory messages and emojis – we were popping the digital champagne, caseloads of it," she said. However, the future of the Post remains uncertain, with many questioning whether the paper can recover from the turmoil and upheaval of the past two years.
Legacy and Future Directions
As the Post looks to the future, it is clear that Lewis's tenure will be remembered as a tumultuous and divisive period in the paper's history. Despite his initial promise and enthusiasm, Lewis failed to deliver on his vision for the paper, and his leadership style and decisions ultimately alienated many employees and damaged the paper's reputation. As the Post moves forward, it will be important for the paper's leadership to prioritize the values and traditions that have made the Post a respected and beloved institution, and to work towards rebuilding trust and morale among employees.
