Danielle Belton, editor-in-chief of HuffPost and a trailblazer in media leadership, announced her resignation on Thursday as the newsroom undergoes significant layoffs.
Her departure reflects broader trends in the media industry, as companies grapple with economic pressures. Other major outlets, including The Washington Post and Vox, have also announced significant layoffs in early 2025, underscoring the precarious state of journalism in the digital age.
Belton, who has led HuffPost since 2019, shared her decision in an emotional staff memo, highlighting the challenges of balancing her role with the difficult realities facing the media industry.
A Leader Focused on Advocacy
“I could not, in good faith, ask others to make this difficult decision without doing the same,” Belton wrote. “At my core, I am a very sensitive and emotional person… I never saw myself as a traditional leader, but as the newsroom’s leading supporter meant to help grow and protect our team so you all could focus on your work in serving our readers.”
Belton’s tenure at HuffPost included navigating a rapidly shifting media landscape while advocating for diversity and representation in newsrooms.
Her resignation comes as at least 30 newsroom staff members face layoffs, a move she addressed in a memo earlier in the week, citing “growing challenges to our business.”
Transitioning Leadership
In her absence, executive editors Kate Palmer and Whitney Snyder will temporarily lead the newsroom.
“I have incredible faith in the team to lead HuffPost through this difficult time,” Belton wrote, expressing her continued support for the organization and its mission.
Representation in Media Leadership
Danielle Belton’s resignation is a poignant moment for Black women in media, highlighting both the strides made and the persistent challenges faced by women of color in leadership roles.
Belton’s leadership was marked by a focus on representation, inclusivity, and a commitment to storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. Her departure signals the ongoing need for systemic changes in the media industry to support diverse leadership.
Belton’s impact on HuffPost and her advocacy for her team leave a lasting legacy, even as she steps away during these challenging times.
