Fox Business Ends Maria Bartiromo's 12-Year Run Without Citing Cause

Key points

• Fox News Media announced the departure of Maria Bartiromo on September 3, 2026, effective immediately.
• Bartiromo's final broadcast of 'Mornings with Maria' aired that morning on Fox Business Network.
• The network stated it thanks her for her work but provided no specific reason for the split.
• Her shows are being rebranded to 'Mornings with Fox Business' and 'FBN's Wall Street' with rotating hosts.
• Jason Chaffetz is hosting 'Sunday Morning Futures' this week, with a permanent replacement to be announced later.
• Bartiromo had not appeared on air since August 9, 2026, according to NBC News.

Background

Bartiromo joined Fox in 2014 from CNBC, where she spent 20 years as a prominent financial journalist. She was known for pioneering live reporting from the New York Stock Exchange floor. In recent years, she became a vocal defender of President Donald Trump, frequently hosting his Cabinet members. Her departure follows a pattern of high-profile exits from Fox, including Tucker Carlson and Bill O'Reilly, though Fox has not indicated if this exit is related to those cases. She was previously cited in a 2021 defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems, which Fox settled for $787.5 million in 2023.

How outlets are covering it

Variety notes that the reasons for the split are unknown but suggests Fox has previously parted ways with anchors due to falling out of favor, scandal, or political moves. Variety also highlights that Bartiromo had shifted toward political commentary and conspiracy theories, which may have caused friction. NBC News emphasizes her role as a 'vocal defender' of President Trump and notes that her biography and show pages were removed from Fox's websites on the day of the announcement. CNBC reports that Vice President JD Vance called her a 'dear friend' and wished her well, but stated he did not know the backstory. CNBC also notes a 2025 lawsuit by Smartmatic alleging she spread false rumors about election fraud, a claim she rejected. Axios simply reports she was 'fired' without elaboration, while other outlets use the neutral term 'parted ways.'

Why it matters

Bartiromo's exit marks the end of a significant era for Fox Business Network, which she helped establish as a serious financial news outlet. Her departure signals a shift in the network's daytime programming strategy and reflects the ongoing tensions between traditional financial journalism and political alignment within the Fox network. It also highlights the risks associated with high-profile anchors who cross into political commentary, as seen in previous departures from the network.

What to watch

Fox Business Network will introduce a new daytime programming schedule in the coming weeks. Jason Chaffetz will host 'Sunday Morning Futures' for the immediate term, with a permanent replacement to be announced. The network has not indicated if Bartiromo will pursue a new role in media or politics, though speculation has circulated about a potential White House position. Her X account still promotes her former show, suggesting she has not yet publicly addressed the departure.