Fox News ends Maria Bartiromo's tenure after alleged leak of internal election guidance

Key points

• Fox News Media stated Bartiromo was no longer with the network as of September 3, 2026, without providing a specific reason in their initial statement.
• CNN reports the departure followed Bartiromo leaking internal guidance to the Trump White House that instructed Fox programs not to cover 2020 election fraud claims.
• Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement denying she was fired, claiming she remains an employee and threatening legal action against reporters.
• Fox Business Network renamed 'Mornings with Maria' to 'Mornings with Fox Business' and 'Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street' to 'FBN’s Wall Street' with rotating hosts.
• Fox News Channel assigned former congressman Jason Chaffetz to host 'Sunday Morning Futures' in Bartiromo’s absence.
• Bartiromo was a named defendant in the $787.5 million Dominion Voting Systems defamation settlement in 2023 and remains a defendant in the ongoing Smartmatic lawsuit.

Background

This incident follows the 2023 dismissal of Tucker Carlson, which CNN notes was a similar assertion by Fox leadership that even top-rated hosts are replaceable. The current dispute highlights the ongoing tension between Fox News and the Trump administration regarding the coverage of 2020 election claims, a topic that previously led to significant legal liabilities for the network. Bartiromo had been a prominent figure in Fox’s pro-Trump coverage since joining from CNBC in 2014.

How outlets are covering it

CNN frames the departure as a strategic move by Fox leadership (Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and Suzanne Scott) to prioritize corporate legal interests over political loyalty to Trump, specifically to avoid further defamation liability from Smartmatic and Dominion. In contrast, Bartiromo’s attorney and supporters, including Trump and Vice President JD Vance, portray the exit as a wrongful termination or a misunderstanding, with Trump calling her a 'total professional.' USA Today and CNBC focus on the immediate dispute over her employment status, noting that while Fox has replaced her shows, her attorney claims she is still technically employed, suggesting a potential contract dispute rather than a clean break.

Why it matters

The departure of a high-profile anchor signals a shift in the power dynamics between Fox News and the Trump administration, demonstrating that corporate legal risks can override political alliances. It also raises questions about the future of Fox’s coverage of election-related topics and the potential for further legal challenges from voting machine companies. The dispute over Bartiromo’s employment status may lead to further legal or public fallout, impacting the network’s reputation and internal culture.

What to watch

Fox News Media is expected to finalize its new weekday schedule for the affected shows. Bartiromo’s attorney has indicated that 'receipts and witnesses' will be released, potentially leading to legal proceedings or public disclosures regarding her employment status. The ongoing Smartmatic lawsuit will continue to influence Fox’s editorial guidelines regarding election claims. Trump and other political figures may continue to comment on the situation, potentially influencing public perception of the network’s independence.