Philip Rucker, a longtime journalist at The Washington Post who rose to the position of national editor, is leaving the paper to take on a high-profile role at CNN. Starting February 10, Rucker will serve as senior vice president of editorial strategy and news at the network, where he will oversee political coverage, including that of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, who began his second term in office on Monday. Rucker's move comes at a time of transition for The Washington Post, which has faced a decline in subscriptions and growing discontent among readers. The outlet has been navigating pushback over recent decisions under the leadership of CEO Will Lewis and owner Jeff Bezos. One controversial move came in October when the Post announced it would not endorse any presidential candidate for the 2024 election, a break from its longstanding tradition. This decision drew criticism from some subscribers, who viewed it as a possible attempt to avoid clashing with the Trump administration during a politically sensitive time.
Rucker is the latest prominent journalist to leave the Post amid these challenges. Other high-profile staffers have recently exited for competing outlets such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. These departures come as the Post grapples with questions about its editorial direction and its ability to retain top talent in an increasingly competitive media landscape. At CNN,
Rucker will be tasked with shaping the network's editorial strategy as it covers the next chapter of the Trump presidency, along with broader developments in Washington, D.C. With his extensive experience, Rucker is well-versed in political reporting and newsroom leadership. During his tenure at The Washington Post, he managed a team of 150 journalists covering critical beats, including the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, national security, race, immigration, and domestic news. Before becoming national editor, Rucker held various leadership positions, including deputy national editor, senior Washington correspondent, and White House bureau chief. Rucker's journalistic r?sum? also includes covering the Obama White House, multiple presidential campaigns (2012, 2016, and 2020), and co-authoring two bestselling books with Carol Leonnig. The books-A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America (2020) and I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year (2021)-provided critical accounts of the Trump administration. Rucker joined The Washington Post in 2005 as a local news reporter after graduating from Yale University with a degree in history.
CNN's decision to bring Rucker on board signals the network's ongoing focus on Washington politics, particularly with President Trump back in office. As Rucker assumes his new role, it will be worth watching how CNN adjusts its coverage and attempts to navigate an increasingly polarized political environment. Meanwhile, his departure raises further questions about the trajectory of The Washington Post as it faces internal and external challenges. Rucker's addition to CNN highlights the revolving door of high-profile journalists among major media organizations as they recalibrate their teams in response to evolving political dynamics and shifts in audience preferences. For CNN, his extensive background in covering national politics and his tenure at one of the nation's largest newspapers position him as a key figure in shaping the network's reporting in the years ahead.
