Journalist Philip Rucker Just Left The Washington Post for CNN

Philip Rucker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, leaves The Washington Post to join CNN amid ongoing editorial turmoil at his former employer.

At a Glance

  • Philip Rucker joins CNN as Senior Vice President of Editorial Strategy and News
  • Rucker’s departure follows significant staff exodus at The Washington Post
  • He will lead CNN’s coverage of President Trump’s second administration
  • The move signals a shift in CNN’s approach to political reporting
  • Rucker starts his new role at CNN on February 10

A New Chapter for Philip Rucker

Philip Rucker, a seasoned journalist and Pulitzer Prize recipient, has left The Washington Post to join CNN as Senior Vice President of Editorial Strategy and News. This transition comes at a time when The Post is grappling with notable editorial challenges, including contentious decisions under Jeff Bezos’s ownership.

Rucker’s departure from The Washington Post, where he served as National Editor overseeing a team of 150 journalists, marks the end of a career that included roles as Deputy National Editor, senior Washington correspondent, and White House Bureau Chief. His tenure at The Post was marked by significant achievements, including being part of teams that won three Pulitzer Prizes: in 2024 for National Reporting, in 2022 for Public Service, and in 2018 for National Reporting.

CNN’s decision to bring Rucker on board is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its political coverage, particularly as the network prepares to cover President Donald Trump’s second administration. Rucker’s extensive experience in chronicling Trump’s first term makes him a valuable asset for CNN as it navigates the complexities of reporting on the current political landscape.

“I look forward to collaborating with the world-class journalists at CNN to help chart a new era of digital transformation,” Philip Rucker said.

In his new role, Rucker will be tasked with leading CNN’s coverage of the second Trump administration and managing political newsgathering across all platforms. This appointment comes as CNN is reportedly shifting from an oppositional stance during Trump’s first presidency to a more balanced approach under new leadership.

And do you think that’s going to be fair? No, us neither.

The Washington Post’s Ongoing Challenges

Rucker’s exit from The Washington Post is part of a larger exodus of talent that has recently plagued the newspaper. The Post has faced internal dissatisfaction, with over 400 staffers requesting intervention from owner Jeff Bezos regarding the paper’s direction. A controversial decision to block an endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris led to significant backlash, including 250,000 subscription cancellations and the departure of high-profile staffers.

“Together we will cover the fast-paced stories that lie ahead with authority, curiosity, precision and creativity,” Philip Rucker said.

Other notable departures from The Washington Post include Ashley Parker and Josh Dawsey, who joined The Atlantic, and Ann Telnaes, a cartoonist who resigned over press freedom concerns. These departures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by traditional print media in an increasingly digital landscape.