GoFundMe Raises Over $330K for Laid-Off Washington Post Staffers

Union blames paper's leadership for mass layoffs in sports and other divisions

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A GoFundMe campaign launched by Washington Post reporter Rachel Siegel and the paper's union has raised over $330,000 from more than 2,800 donors to support Post staffers who were laid off on Wednesday, including from the sports department and other divisions. Former Post journalist Kara Swisher donated $10,000 and publicly urged others to contribute to the successful fundraiser, one of the largest recent media layoff drives.

Why it matters

The layoffs at the Washington Post, one of the country's most prominent newspapers, have caused significant disruption and uncertainty for affected employees. The outpouring of financial support from the public and media community highlights the value placed on quality journalism and the need to assist workers impacted by industry changes.

The details

On Wednesday, the Washington Post announced layoffs in its sports department and other divisions, leaving many staffers shocked and uncertain about their futures. In response, Post reporter Rachel Siegel and the paper's union launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance to those affected. The fundraiser quickly gained momentum, surpassing $330,000 in donations from over 2,800 contributors by Thursday morning. Former Post star journalist Kara Swisher, known for her tech coverage, donated $10,000 and publicly encouraged others to give to the cause.

  • The Washington Post announced layoffs on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The GoFundMe campaign was launched on the same day, Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • By Thursday morning, February 6, 2026, the fundraiser had exceeded $330,000 in donations.

The players

Rachel Siegel

A reporter at the Washington Post who launched the GoFundMe campaign to support laid-off staffers.

Kara Swisher

A former star journalist at the Washington Post known for her tech coverage, who donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign.

Washington Post Union

The union representing Washington Post employees, which collaborated with reporter Rachel Siegel to launch the GoFundMe campaign.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The outpouring of support for laid-off Washington Post staffers through the successful GoFundMe campaign underscores the value the public and media community place on quality journalism, even as the industry faces ongoing challenges. The fundraiser's rapid growth highlights the need to assist workers impacted by industry changes and disruptions.