Phil Rucker quits WaPost for CNN in latest staff departure

Phil Rucker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and editor known in part for his coverage of President Trump's first term in office, is leaving The Washington Post for CNN after two decades with the newspaper.

Rucker is just the latest in a slew of high-profile staff departures at the Post in the face of revamped leadership and shifting editorial focus under billionaire owner Jeff Bezos.

CNN announced on Tuesday it had hired Rucker to serve as senior vice president of editorial and news.

"As CNN moves to cover President Donald Trump’s second administration, Rucker, who has deep expertise from years reporting on and overseeing coverage of President Trump, is perfectly positioned to aid in leading our best-in-class coverage," the network said in a statement.

Rucker was most recently national editor at the Post, where he oversaw dozens of journalists and helped lead the newspaper's political coverage.

The Post has in recent weeks been roiled by other key departures from its newsroom amid concerns from staff about its editorial direction under new CEO Will Lewis. The company has also added reporters from outlets like Politico and The Wall Street Journal.

Rucker's departure comes just days after the Post rolled out a new mission statement, promising to deliver “Riveting Storytelling for All of America,” and as it looks to turn around its struggling business and subscriber losses.

CNN, like the Post, has telegraphed a different approach in news coverage as President Trump begins his second term this month.

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