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The Washington Post Sees Major Exodus of Black Journalists

August 1, 2025

The Washington Post is experiencing a significant exodus of Black journalists, despite its location in Washington D.C. with a 43% Black population. This departure trend coincides with President Trump's recent executive order targeting diversity initiatives, which was signed within 48 hours of his second term. Many prominent Black journalists with decades of experience and Pulitzer Prizes have left the organization, including Jonathan Capehart, Karen Attiah, Toluse Olorunnipa, Eugene Robinson, and Krissah Thompson.

Who is affected

  • Black journalists at The Washington Post
  • The Washington Post as a media organization
  • Readers who benefit from diverse perspectives in journalism
  • The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) members
  • The broader journalism industry's diversity efforts
  • Communities being covered by less diverse newsrooms

What action is being taken

  • Black journalists are leaving The Washington Post through buyouts and voluntary exits
  • The National Association of Black Journalists is "closely monitoring" the departures
  • The Washington Post is offering buyouts that end on July 31
  • The Post is hiring new staff connected to the more conservative Wall Street Journal
  • Post CEO Will Lewis is remaining in charge despite a 2024 controversy

Why it matters

  • The exodus represents a significant loss of diverse perspectives at a major newspaper
  • The departures include award-winning journalists with decades of experience and Pulitzer Prizes
  • The Washington Post went nearly a year without a Black member on its Editorial Board
  • The trend contradicts the increasing diversity of the U.S. population
  • The situation appears connected to a broader anti-diversity backlash affecting media organizations
  • It may reflect private sector compliance with Trump's executive order against diversity initiatives, despite no legal obligation to do so

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint