Why Was Maria Bartiromo Fired From Fox News? Trump Calls Axed Presenter 'A True Warrior' After Leak

Veteran television presenter Maria Bartiromo has abruptly parted ways with Fox News Media on Thursday following explosive reports that she shared confidential internal network instructions with Donald Trump's White House.

The sudden departure of the 58-year-old host concludes a twelve-and-a-half-year tenure across the network's key business and news programmes.

According to an investigative report from media outlet Status, the separation followed allegations that Bartiromo leaked a screenshot of a text message from a network executive.

The internal message reportedly instructed staff to decline airtime for claims concerning the 2020 presidential election during Trump's primetime address.

While Fox News released a terse statement thanking the anchor without specifying the reasons for her exit, the high-profile fallout has triggered intense speculation across Washington regarding network editorial boundaries, defamation litigation pressures, and future administration roles.

According to Status, Bartiromo admitted to the network's directive after being asked by Trump or a White House official why the network was not covering the president's claims. She explained that the decision came from her bosses and even shared the text message detailing the network's instructions with the White House.

Maria Bartiromo Fox News Departure Explained

Fox News announced Bartiromo's departure without elaborating on the reported disclosure. Fox Business Network released a statement thanking the host for her work over the years.

'We thank Maria for her work over the last 12½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter,' the network stated.

Following the announcement, Fox Business Network removed Bartiromo's online biography. The webpage on FoxBusiness.com that previously carried her biographical details now displays a 404 notice.

The removal of the biography followed Bartiromo's departure from the network, which had featured her across multiple Fox shows.

Trump Reacts to Maria Bartiromo Exit

Trump weighed in on the move on Truth Social on Thursday, praising the presenter while not addressing the circumstances surrounding her departure.

'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,' Trump wrote. 'Maria is a total professional, and a true warrior. Her fans, of which there are many, will not be happy. God bless you, Maria! President DONALD J. TRUMP.'

Bartiromo's departure prompted speculation over whether she might replace Karoline Leavitt as the next White House press secretary. Vice-President JD Vance was questioned about the possibility by reporters on Thursday.

JD Vance Addresses White House Press Secretary Speculation

'I don't know, man. Ahh, no, I don't think so. You know, I just saw the news literally as I walked out here,' Vance said. 'I love Maria; I think she's an amazing person, 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's comments came as Bartiromo's future became a subject of speculation following her departure from Fox. Sources said she had developed a working relationship with Trump through her appearances and interviews on Fox.

Bartiromo previously worked as a producer at CNN before joining CNBC in 1993. She left CNBC in 2013 to join Fox, where she established a working relationship with Trump during his first administration.

Bartiromo interviewed Trump multiple times on her various Fox shows, which the White House promoted on its social media. Bartiromo has yet to update her X profile to remove references to her multiple Fox shows from her biography.

Analysts note that maintaining strict internal editorial controls remains paramount for major media corporations facing active multi-billion-dollar lawsuits. The departure underscores the delicate balance between partisan alignment and corporate risk management.

Donald Trump