Report: Fox News fired Maria Bartiromo for leaking internal memo to Trump

Key points

• A report from Status indicates Fox News fired Maria Bartiromo for leaking an internal memo to the White House.
• Bartiromo was dismissed after more than 12 years with the network, with her last on-air day being August 9.
• Fox News initially described her departure as a business decision and thanked her for her work.
• The Daily Beast reports that Fox executives issued a 'bombshell order' to Bartiromo's staff prior to her ouster.
• The network is replacing her Fox Business program with rotating anchors and has Jason Chaffetz hosting Sunday Morning Futures.

Background

Our earlier coverage in early September 2026 reported that Fox News abruptly parted ways with Maria Bartiromo after more than a decade. At the time, the network offered no explanation, describing the move as a business decision. Bartiromo, a close Trump ally, had been off-air since August, and her departure sparked speculation about potential administration roles. Internal documents related to the 2020 election lawsuits had previously revealed her openness to election fraud theories.

How outlets are covering it

The Independent and The Daily Beast both report on the firing, but emphasize different aspects. The Independent focuses on the core allegation from Status that Bartiromo was let go for leaking company information to Trump. The Daily Beast adds a new dimension, reporting that Fox executives sent a 'bombshell order' to Bartiromo's staff before her ouster, suggesting a more dramatic internal fallout. Both outlets agree on the timeline and the fact that her departure was sudden and unexplained at the time.

Why it matters

The firing of a high-profile, pro-Trump anchor like Bartiromo highlights the complex and often volatile relationship between Fox News and the Trump administration. It also raises questions about the network's internal policies regarding confidentiality and the potential consequences for journalists who share information with political allies.

What to watch

The network is currently using rotating anchors for Bartiromo's former shows while a permanent replacement is sought. There is no public farewell from Bartiromo, and her future role, potentially in the administration, remains a subject of speculation.