Microsoft Debunks Massive Layoff Rumors; CCO Calls Claims "Completely Wrong"

• A rumor spread claiming Microsoft planned to cut 11,000 to 22,000 jobs in January 2026, impacting Azure, Xbox, and global sales.
• The rumor cited rising AI costs as the reason for the potential massive job cuts.
• Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer, Frank X. Shaw, publicly and bluntly denied the claims, stating they were "completely wrong."
• The company had previous layoffs in July 2025 (around 9,000 jobs), making new rumors more impactful despite strong financial performance.
• Microsoft's layoffs are strategic, focusing on AI and cloud, not survival-driven, as the company crossed a $4 trillion market value.

Why It Matters: Microsoft firmly denies January 2026 layoff rumors, calling them false, despite past strategic job cuts.