Bartiromo’s attorney rejects firing claims as Fox News maintains departure stance

Key points

• Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement on Friday denying that she was terminated or is no longer an employee of Fox.
• Fox News Media announced on Thursday that it had parted ways with Bartiromo, thanking her for her work over the last 12.5 years but offering no explanation.
• Freedman criticized media reports of her firing as 'irresponsible' and 'reckless,' promising to provide evidence through the courthouse or other means.
• Fox News Media responded to the denial by stating that its previous announcement 'speaks for itself.'
• The dispute follows reports that Bartiromo was dismissed for sharing internal Fox management guidance regarding election claims with the White House.

Background

This dispute follows Fox News Media’s announcement on September 4, 2026, that it had parted ways with Maria Bartiromo, a veteran anchor who joined Fox Business in 2014 after a 21-year career at CNBC. Bartiromo hosted 'Mornings with Maria,' 'Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street,' and 'Sunday Morning Futures.' Her departure occurred amid ongoing legal scrutiny, including a $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 and a pending lawsuit from Smartmatic USA, in which she was named as a defendant. She is also a close ally of President Donald Trump, having served on the board of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

How outlets are covering it

CNBC and NBC News both report that Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, is disputing the narrative that she was fired, emphasizing that she remains an employee. While CNBC highlights the attorney’s promise of 'receipts and witnesses,' NBC News notes that the Status media newsletter, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal reported that she was dismissed for sharing internal Fox communications with the White House, a claim NBC News states it has not verified. CNN’s coverage, while partially obscured by technical data in the source, aligns with the narrative that Fox abruptly ousted a longtime Trump ally. All sources agree that Fox News Media has refused to provide a specific reason for the separation, maintaining that its initial statement is sufficient.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the tension between Fox News and one of its most prominent anchors, potentially impacting the network’s ratings and political alignment. It also raises questions about internal compliance and the handling of sensitive information regarding the Trump administration. The legal implications, including potential litigation from Bartiromo’s side, could set precedents for employment disputes in major media organizations.

What to watch

Bartiromo’s attorney has indicated that evidence will be released, potentially through legal proceedings. Fox News Media has not indicated any further action beyond its initial statement. The outcome of the Smartmatic lawsuit and any new legal actions from Bartiromo will be key developments to watch.