Trump backs Bartiromo as Vance rules out press secretary role
Trump supports Bartiromo's departure while Vance rules out press secretary role.
Event / Politics
Maria Bartiromo Fox News Departure
Maria Bartiromo, a prominent Fox News and Fox Business anchor, departed the network on September 4, 2026, after over 12 years. Disputed circumstances involve claims she was blocked from pursuing stories on China and 2020 election voting allegations due to Dominion and Smartmatic defamation litigation. Allegations of internal document sharing with White House officials surfaced. Her attorney contests firing claims, asserting she remains employed through 2029.
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6 articles0 articles
2026-09-05 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Sept, 00:46 UTC
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What happened
Fox News executive producer Patrick Ignozzi also terminated
Patrick Ignozzi, executive producer of Mornings with Maria, was also fired by Fox News following Maria Bartiromo's departure. Reports indicated that staff relations had become contentious in the weeks before the terminations, with employees barred from speaking with Bartiromo.
Vice President JD Vance denies Maria Bartiromo as White House Press Secretary candidate
When asked if Maria Bartiromo could become the next White House Press Secretary, Vice President JD Vance responded negatively, laughing off the question and stating he did not think so. This came after speculation emerged that Bartiromo might join the Trump administration to fill the vacant press secretary position.
Fox News terminates Maria Bartiromo's employment
Fox News announced on September 3, 2025, that Maria Bartiromo is no longer employed by the network, effective immediately. The network issued a brief statement thanking her for 12.5 years of service. Bartiromo had hosted Mornings with Maria and Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street on Fox Business Network, with her final show airing on September 3.
Fox News cited Dominion settlement as context for coverage restrictions
Fox News management issued internal guidance restricting coverage of Trump's election-related claims, reportedly due to the network's previous legal exposure. Fox had settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million in April 2023 after airing election fraud conspiracy theories.
Donald Trump publicly supports Maria Bartiromo following her Fox News departure
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social following news of Maria Bartiromo's termination, stating he could not believe she was leaving Fox News and praising her as a total professional and true warrior. Trump expressed concern that her many fans would not be happy about her departure.
Maria Bartiromo's attorney disputes termination characterization
Bryan Freedman, Maria Bartiromo's attorney, issued a statement on September 4, 2025, disputing reports that she had been fired, calling them absolutely and unequivocally false. Freedman stated his team has receipts and witnesses and indicated the matter could be resolved through legal proceedings.
Maria Bartiromo accused of leaking internal Fox News directive to White House
Maria Bartiromo reportedly shared confidential Fox News internal guidance with the White House in July 2025. According to reports, after President Trump delivered a speech on election security, Fox Business management instructed employees not to report on the speech. Bartiromo allegedly disclosed this directive to senior White House officials, including reportedly providing a screenshot of the guidance text. Fox News leadership learned of this incident after being contacted by the White House.
Bartiromo's attorney denies firing allegations and claims continued employment
Bryan Freedman, attorney for Maria Bartiromo, issued a statement Friday denying reports that she was fired or is no longer a Fox employee. Freedman stated: 'The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false.' He claimed 'we have the receipts and witnesses' and suggested legal action may follow.
Fox News announces Maria Bartiromo departure effective immediately
Fox News Media announced on Thursday that Maria Bartiromo is no longer with the network, effective immediately, after more than 12 years as an anchor. The network stated: 'We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 1/2 years and wish her all the best on her next chapter.' The announcement did not characterize the departure as a firing or provide specific reasons.
Bartiromo's 'Sunday Morning Futures' ranks as top-rated weekend program for Fox
Bartiromo's weekly program 'Sunday Morning Futures' ranked as Fox News' highest-rated weekend program, averaging approximately 1.9 million viewers in the second quarter of 2026, demonstrating her continued audience strength at the time of her departure.
Reports claim Bartiromo shared internal Fox guidance with White House
Multiple sources reported that Bartiromo took a screenshot of internal Fox News guidance and sent it to senior White House officials. The guidance reportedly directed staff not to pursue or amplify stories involving China and 2020 election voting conspiracies. Fox leadership learned of this disclosure after receiving a call from the White House, and viewed the leak of privileged internal communications as a fireable offense.
Bartiromo's shows replaced with rotating anchors and rebrand
Following Bartiromo's departure, Fox News quickly restructured her programming. 'Mornings with Maria' ended Thursday and was replaced Friday with 'Mornings with FOX Business' featuring rotating anchors. 'Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street' was rebranded as 'FBN's Wall Street.' Jason Chaffetz began temporarily hosting 'Sunday Morning Futures,' with Fox stating a permanent host would be announced later.
Trump praises Bartiromo's departure from Fox
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday night expressing shock at Bartiromo's departure. Trump wrote: 'I can't believe Maria Bartiromo is no longer going to have her great show(s) on FoxNews/Business. Three different shows, always number one. Maria is a total professional, and a true warrior. Her fans, of which there are many, will not be happy.'
Vice President Vance praises Bartiromo amid uncertainty about her exit
Vice President JD Vance praised Bartiromo while addressing reporters Thursday, saying: 'I love Maria. I think she's an amazing person, an amazing talent. Whatever she does, she's gonna do great, and I wish her all the best. She's a very, very dear friend.' Vance stated he was not aware of the details regarding her exit.
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2 alternative perspectives
Bartiromo accused of sharing internal Fox directive with White House
Bartiromo allegedly shared internal Fox News guidance with the White House, per reports with one corroboration.
Fox cites Dominion settlement in restricting Bartiromo coverage
Fox terminated Bartiromo citing Dominion settlement; her attorney disputes the characterization.
Trump, Vance praise Bartiromo following Fox News exit
Trump and Vance publicly praise Bartiromo after her Fox News departure.
Reports: Bartiromo shared internal Fox guidance with White House
Reports allege Bartiromo shared internal Fox guidance with White House.
Fox News announces Bartiromo departure as shows get new anchor lineup
Fox News removes Bartiromo from on-air roles; shows transition to new anchors.