In a strategic move to amplify its political coverage in anticipation of the second Trump presidency, The Atlantic is significantly expanding its political reporting team. The progressive outlet has successfully recruited prominent journalists from The Washington Post, including senior national political correspondent Ashley Parker and national political reporter Michael Scherer.
The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, emphasized the publication's commitment to rigorous coverage of the incoming administration, stating their intent to assemble a team of top-tier political reporters and editors. This expansion aims to bolster an already strong team, which includes notable figures like Elaina Plott Calabro, McKay Coppins, and Mark Leibovich.
This recruitment drive follows a period of substantial growth for The Atlantic, which recently celebrated surpassing one million subscribers and has continued to expand its readership. According to reports, The Atlantic is planning to add approximately a dozen new reporters and editors, with ongoing discussions to bring in even more talent from The Washington Post, including those covering national security, as evidenced by the earlier hiring of Shane Harris.
The expansion is backed by Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs and a major Democratic donor, who holds a controlling interest in The Atlantic through Emerson Collective. This investment comes at a time when The Washington Post is facing challenges, including financial difficulties and internal restructuring following the departure of executive editor Sally Buzbee. The Post has reportedly experienced substantial financial losses and a decline in readership, further compounded by the controversy surrounding its handling of the 2024 presidential endorsement.
