White House Economic Policy Reporter

The Washington Post is seeking a high-energy, agenda-setting reporter to cover White House economic policy at a pivotal moment for the country and the global economy. 

We’re looking for an aggressive and versatile journalist who thrives on breaking news and can deliver both scoops and sophisticated analysis. The ideal candidate knows how to cultivate deep sources inside and outside government, move quickly on developments and translate complex economic policy decisions into compelling, accessible journalism for a broad audience. This reporter will play a central role in covering President Donald Trump’s approach to taxes, spending, tariffs, trade and industrial policy — helping readers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters and who it affects. 

This is a high-impact beat at the center of the administration’s agenda. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable breaking exclusive stories, spotting emerging themes and producing big-picture analysis that connects policy decisions to consequences for taxpayers, businesses and global markets. They will collaborate closely with colleagues across the economics and politics teams to dominate coverage of economic policymaking inside the White House. 

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom. 

What Motivates You: 

• You are driven to break news and set the agenda on one of the most consequential policy beats in Washington. 

• You thrive on developing sources and navigating complex power structures. 

• You are energized by explaining complicated economic ideas in clear, engaging language. 

• You are competitive, collaborative and eager to work as part of a high-performing team. 

• You are deeply curious about how policy decisions are made — and who benefits from them. 

How You’ll Support the Mission: 

• Break news on the administration’s full range of economic policy matters — including taxes and spending, tariffs and trade, reshoring and industrial strategy — as part of a larger team. 

• Cover and illuminate the roles of key White House entities, including the Office of Management and Budget, the National Economic Council and the Council of Economic Advisers, as well as the U.S. Treasury. 

• Identify and drive broader themes that define the administration’s economic agenda, helping readers understand how policy changes affect households, businesses and other stakeholders. 

• Investigate and report on potential conflicts of interest and follow the money to answer the “who profits” question as policies take shape. 

• Produce clear, authoritative coverage under tight deadlines while maintaining the highest ethical standards and giving all parties a fair opportunity to respond. 

• Collaborate with data reporters and visual journalists to tell stories in the most effective and resonant formats. 

The Skills and Experiences You Bring: 

• At least five years of experience covering policy in Washington or elsewhere, with a track record of breaking impactful stories. 

• Demonstrated ability to work quickly and write clearly under deadline pressure. 

• Strong source-building skills and comfort covering powerful institutions. 

• A facility for explaining complex economic or regulatory issues to a general audience. 

• An eagerness to collaborate across the newsroom. 

• Experience covering economic policy is preferred but not required. 

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, résumé and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Mar. 29 will be prioritized. The cover letter should lay out your ideas for owning this beat and be addressed to Economics Editor Jen Liberto, Deputy Politics & Government Editor Emily Rauhala and Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann. 

The salary range for this position is $97,400 - $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.