White House Reporter

The Washington Post is seeking a rigorous, versatile and deeply sourced journalist to serve as a White House reporter at a defining moment in American politics. 

This reporter will join a team at the center of our news mission, covering the president and his administration with urgency, authority and originality. The beat demands a steady cadence of scoops, sharp analysis and ambitious enterprise — chronicling not only what the president says and does, but how power is exercised inside the White House and what it means for the country and the world. 

The ideal candidate is a deft reporter and a fast, clean writer with a sophisticated understanding of politics and policy. They will be skilled at cultivating high-level sources, navigating complex institutions and owning a competitive beat through agenda-setting journalism. This is a high-profile and demanding assignment that requires stamina, sharp judgment and a collaborative spirit. 

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

What Motivates You: 

• You are driven to break exclusive news at the highest levels of government. 

• You thrive in fast-moving, high-stakes news environments. 

• You are deeply curious about how decisions are made inside the White House — and who influences them. 

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

• You are committed to fair, rigorous and authoritative journalism. 

How You’ll Support the Mission: 

• Break news about the president and his administration, delivering timely and agenda-setting reporting. 

• Produce ambitious news, analysis and enterprise stories grounded in original reporting and fresh insight. 

• Cultivate and maintain high-level sources inside and outside the administration. 

• Chronicle internal debates, policy decisions and political strategy, illuminating their real-world consequences. 

• Report and write quickly as events unfold, including filing early versions of stories when necessary. 

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the White House, national security, politics and policy teams to dominate coverage. 

The Skills and Experiences You Bring: 

• A proven track record of delivering exclusive news and impactful enterprise on a competitive beat. 

• Demonstrated ability to report and write breaking news with speed, precision and clarity. 

• Deep understanding of politics and the federal government. 

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

• A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism ethics. 

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. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to White House Editor David Lauter, Deputy Politics & Government Editor Emily Rauhala and Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann. 

The salary range for this position is $137,300.00 — $228,900.00. The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.