Which billionaire owns The Washington Post and ordered the massive layoffs in February 2026?

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is the owner of The Washington Post. He acquired the esteemed newspaper in 2013 for $250 million through his private investment company, Nash Holdings LLC. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the ownership of the publication, which had been under the control of the Meyer-Graham family for over eight decades.

In February 2026, The Washington Post underwent substantial layoffs, impacting more than 300 journalists, which constituted approximately one-third of its newsroom staff. These widespread cuts affected numerous departments, leading to the elimination of dedicated sports and books desks and the closure of several foreign bureaus. Executive editor Matt Murray communicated that these changes were a "strategic reset" aimed at addressing financial challenges and adapting to the evolving media landscape.

The recent layoffs have reduced the size of The Washington Post's newsroom to fewer employees than when Jeff Bezos initially purchased the paper over a decade ago. This move has sparked considerable discussion regarding the impact of billionaire ownership on major news organizations and the broader implications for journalism in the current climate.