The Washington Post building, (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Philip Rucker, the high-profile national editor at The Washington Post, is set to exit the newspaper. According to sources familiar with the matter, Rucker has indicated that he will be leaving the publication. Mike Semel, a deputy managing editor, is expected to fill the role on an interim basis.
Rucker’s expected departure comes amidst a larger talent exodus from the newspaper, which has seen some of its most prized journalists flee the institution. The Post is owned by Jeff Bezos and led by Will Lewis.
Rucker was a key figure in the newspaper’s coverage of Donald Trump, having been part of teams that won Pulitzer Prizes for stories related to the former President. It is unclear whether Rucker has formally accepted an offer from CNN, with which he was in the final stages of negotiations to take on a high-ranking position in Washington.
The Washington Post has declined to comment on Rucker’s impending exit.