Fox News Abruptly Parts Ways with Maria Bartiromo — the Reported Reason Behind Her Exit

Maria Bartiromo's 12 1/2-year run at Fox News ended without an on-air farewell, raising questions about what led to the sudden split.

Fox quickly began reshaping the programs Bartiromo hosted without publicly explaining why she was out. As reports offered clues about what happened behind the scenes, netizens began floating a surprising possibility for her next move.

Bartiromo's sudden departure sparked online speculation about what could come next. Social media users quickly began sharing their theories.

Bartiromo's long tenure at Fox News Media came to an abrupt end on September 3, 2026, when the company announced that she was leaving effective immediately.

Fox kept its public explanation brief.

"Mornings with Maria" was a defining part of Bartiromo's presence at Fox Business, where she spent more than a decade with the network. Her long run there would come to an unexpectedly abrupt end in September 2026.

"We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 ½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter," Fox News Media said in its announcement.

Bartiromo's final episode of "Mornings with Maria" aired on Fox Business that morning. The program was set to become "Mornings with FOX Business" the following day, initially with rotating anchors.

The "Mornings with Maria" branding still framed Bartiromo on the Fox Business set in March 2025. Less than 18 months later, Fox ended her 12 1/2-year tenure and retired her name from the morning program.

"Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street" was also renamed "FBN's Wall Street." Cheryl Casone was set to host the first edition under the new format before rotating anchors took over.

On Fox News Channel, Jason Chaffetz was selected to host the next edition of "Sunday Morning Futures." A permanent host was to be announced later.

"Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street" was another fixture of Bartiromo's Fox Business tenure, putting her at the center of interviews with major figures in finance. The program was among those Fox moved to rebrand immediately after her departure in September 2026.

The Decision Had Reportedly Been Made Weeks Earlier

Fox executives had decided in August to remove Bartiromo, CNN reported, citing a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The dispute reportedly centered on the disclosure of confidential information from inside the network.

Bartiromo interviews JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on "Mornings with Maria" in April 2025, during what would become her final full year at Fox. Her eventual exit was tied in reports to an internal dispute that unfolded away from the cameras.

Bartiromo wanted to devote airtime to claims involving China and the 2020 election, according to the report, which characterized the claims as conspiratorial. A network executive allegedly directed that the claims should not be covered.

Bartiromo then allegedly shared a text containing that internal guidance with President Donald Trump's White House officials. According to the account, the apparent purpose was to show that the decision not to air the story had come from the network rather than from her.

Bartiromo was photographed speaking with Donald Trump at the Economic Club of New York in November 2019. Years later, reports about her alleged sharing of internal Fox guidance with Trump's White House would emerge as the central explanation for why the network fired her.

Management later learned that the internal communication had allegedly been shared outside the company. The disclosure was deemed a violation of Bartiromo's employment agreement, according to the report.

A White House Call Reportedly Raised the Stakes

Dylan Byers, a founding partner and senior correspondent at Puck, provided additional details in a post on X, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Bartiromo attended an Oval Office event as President Donald Trump signed executive orders in March 2025. That White House connection would later figure prominently in reporting about the circumstances surrounding her departure from Fox.

His account said a Fox Business executive had sent producers instructions that the proposed story could not air. Bartiromo allegedly took a screenshot of that guidance and forwarded it to senior White House officials.

Network leadership then learned about the disclosure after receiving a call from the White House, according to the account. Management viewed the alleged action as a "fireable offense."

The proposed story was also described as particularly sensitive for the network because it concerned China and 2020 election voting conspiracies amid its Dominion and Smartmatic lawsuits.

Byers reported that Bartiromo was pulled from the air after August 9, several weeks before her departure was announced on September 3.

He also reported that Bartiromo had re-signed her Fox contract the previous February. Her executive producer, Patrick Ignozzi, was also fired after the September 3 announcement, according to Byers.

Speculation About Bartiromo's Next Move Quickly Followed

On Facebook, several commenters floated the possibility that Bartiromo could become White House press secretary. One netizen said, "Very possible press secretary interesting."

Another user was more certain, writing, "She's going to be the Trump Administrations new Press Secretary! Just watch [sic]! 💯" Not everyone focused on a potential government role.

A commenter instead expressed disappointment over her departure, writing, "I'm truly sorry to hear that news. Maria will not be easily replaced. She is a very hard worker and she's brilliant."

An empty White House briefing room illustrates the government role some social media users began discussing after Bartiromo's Fox departure. The online speculation centered on whether her next move could put her behind the press secretary's podium.

On another Facebook discussion, the same possibility surfaced again. One user speculated, "Maybe she's replacing Karoline Leavitt …"

Someone else strongly endorsed the idea, writing, "Oh, she's the best. Oh my gosh she's got kindness and smart joy class and sophistication and beautiful jewelry. If she becomes press secretary more power to her she'll be perfect."

The Press Secretary Speculation Reached JD Vance

Vance appeared to dismiss the speculation when questioned about Bartiromo potentially becoming the next White House press secretary, according to USA Today.

Vance spoke from the White House briefing room on Sept. 3, the same day Bartiromo's departure from Fox became public. With speculation already building about a possible White House role for the anchor, the vice president was asked directly about the rumor.

"I don't know, man," Vance said with a laugh. "No, I don't think so." Vance, who was serving as the de facto press secretary at the time, also said he had only just learned about Bartiromo's departure before addressing the question.

"I just saw the news literally as I walked out the door. I love Maria. I think she's an amazing person, an amazing talent. I don't get involved in the personal drama of media stations," Vance said.

Bartiromo Joins a Wider Field of Possible Successors

Bartiromo's name adds another possibility to a field of potential successors that had already begun taking shape. A previous report identified several other figures who could be considered for the role.

On August 12, Leavitt announced that she would be stepping down as White House press secretary, bringing an end to what she described as the "honor and adventure of a lifetime."

Karoline Leavitt said she made the "bittersweet" decision to leave the White House. Donald Trump has already asked her to remain in his orbit.

In her lengthy statement on X, Leavitt reflected on working in the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, traveling around the world and meeting foreign leaders, and visiting Americans across the country.

She also thanked Trump for giving her the "distinct privilege" of speaking on his behalf from the White House podium, saying she had taken great pride in defending his administration's record and pushing back against the media.

Karoline Leavitt will remain in Donald Trump's orbit even after leaving her role as White House press secretary.

Leavitt Reveals Why She's Walking Away

Leavitt explained that becoming a mother while holding one of Washington's most demanding public-facing jobs had been both deeply rewarding and incredibly difficult. Since returning to the White House following the birth of her daughter, she said her priorities had become impossible to ignore.

"I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House," Leavitt penned.

Her strikingly candid explanation also makes clear that her departure is about stepping away from the daily demands of the job, rather than stepping away from Trump altogether.

In fact, Leavitt's announcement contained another major reveal: "President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside."

Leavitt added that she intends to remain "a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party," declaring that her political fight is entering "a new phase" but is "far from over." She went on to thank Trump, the First Lady, the wider Trump family, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, members of the Cabinet, her staff and colleagues.

Leavitt also reserved a special thank-you for her husband and family, crediting them for the sacrifices they made while she served in the role.

Trump Confirms Leavitt's Next Move

Trump made clear that he supports Leavitt's decision and reiterated that he already has plans to keep her close to his political operation. In a Truth Social statement shared by Rapid Response 47, Trump said Leavitt would depart at the end of the month so she could "spend more time with her beautiful young children and family."

He called the decision one he "totally" understands and respects. But he quickly confirmed that Leavitt wasn't disappearing from his team. As Leavitt had revealed, Trump said she will become one of his "top outside advisors" as well as an influential voice within the Republican Party as his movement looks ahead to the midterm elections.

He praised Leavitt as a "real leader in the White House" and said she had done a "phenomenal job" since joining his political operation. Trump also described her as one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office before signing off with: "Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!"

The Big Question Now: Who Could Replace Her?

With Leavitt heading for the exit, speculation has naturally turned to who could become Trump's next press secretary.

The Times highlighted a wide-ranging group of possible contenders, from current administration insiders to television personalities and some considerably more unconventional possibilities.

Anna Kelly

Anna Kelly could be one of the most straightforward options. Kelly serves as deputy press secretary and, according to the report, had already been widely tipped to fill in for Leavitt during her maternity leave before Trump instead opted to have a rotating group of senior figures address the press.

She is also a regular presence on Fox News and other cable networks and has been quick to challenge stories on social media as "fake news." At 29, Kelly is close in age to Leavitt and reportedly has a similar on-camera presence.

Before moving into Trump's political world, Kelly was the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia and later became involved with Trump's 2024 presidential campaign after working as Wisconsin communications director for the Republican National Committee.

Alina Habba

Alina Habba would bring a very different résumé to the briefing room. Habba spent years defending Trump through high-profile legal disputes, including matters involving his former Adviser Michael Cohen and Author E. Jean Carroll.

That work regularly put Habba in front of cameras for impromptu press conferences outside courthouses, giving her plenty of experience delivering forceful public defenses of Trump. Trump later appointed her as counselor to the president, a senior political adviser, before attempting to appoint her as the top attorney in New Jersey.

She ultimately served as acting attorney after a court ruled that the administration had not followed the proper appointment process, and she now serves as a senior adviser in the attorney general's office.

Alina Habba has emerged as one of the more recognizable names being discussed as a possible successor to Karoline Leavitt. Her years defending Trump publicly and her experience as a senior political adviser could make her a natural fit for another high-profile communications role.

Harrison Fields

Harrison Fields also comes with direct press-office experience. Fields served as an assistant press secretary in 2020 and later as deputy press secretary, becoming Leavitt's second in command for roughly seven months before leaving in August of last year (2025) to join a lobbying firm.

During Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, Fields acted as one of his media "surrogates" and spoke publicly on his behalf. The report also notes that Fields praised Leavitt for knowing how to "feed the media beast in a cunning, audacious and successful way."

However, compared with some of the other potential names, he has not been as frequent a presence on Trump's preferred television outlets.

Margo Martin

Margo Martin is another familiar figure in Trump's inner circle, although her current job looks very different from the traditional press secretary role. As the president's special assistant and communications adviser, Martin has become a major force behind Trump's social media presence, with her videos regularly appearing on Team Trump accounts and attracting millions of views.

Originally from Oklahoma, Martin previously worked as a press assistant during Trump's first administration and later moved to Palm Beach, Florida, to continue working with him after he left office. The report describes Martin as MAGA's most prolific content creator, while Trump has reportedly called her "the most beautiful photographer in the world."

Leavitt herself has previously said Martin has the "trust of the president." Still, moving from a behind-the-scenes social media role to becoming the administration's main representative in the briefing room would be a substantial shift.

Katie Miller

Katie Miller is another name with deep connections to Trump's political operation. Miller, the wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has built her own media profile through a podcast, television appearances, and online commentary, often interviewing administration figures and discussing Trump administration policies.

She also previously worked on Capitol Hill, including for Mike Pence, and served as an aide to Elon Musk at DOGE.

There is one obvious practical consideration, however: Miller has four children, including a newborn, something the report suggested could make taking on such an all-consuming role difficult.

Scott Jennings

Scott Jennings would be a more unconventional choice. Jennings has become a familiar conservative voice on CNN, regularly appearing as a commentator in discussions involving Trump and his administration.

That television role has earned him praise from inside Trumpworld, with the report noting that Trump personally enjoys watching his commentary.

At 48, Jennings is older than several of the other potential candidates and also brings decades of experience in Republican politics dating back to 2000. One of his earlier jobs was working as a campaign manager for Mitch McConnell, giving him a résumé that stretches well beyond media commentary.

Kingsley Wilson

Then there is Kingsley Wilson, whose potential selection could prove significantly more controversial. Wilson has served as press secretary at the Department of War since May of last year (2025) and became particularly visible during the Iran war.

However, the report said she could be a divisive option because of previous comments she made while working at the right-wing Center for Renewing America.

Despite the controversy, Wilson appears to have significant support within the administration. She became the youngest press secretary at the Pentagon at 26 and also has family connections to Trump's political movement: her father is Steve Cortes, who served as a communications spokesman for Trump during the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns.

Kingsley Wilson has also been floated as a possible replacement after becoming a prominent administration spokesperson. Her candidacy could prove more divisive, however, because of controversial comments attributed to her before she joined the administration.

Laura Loomer

And then there is perhaps the most eye-catching name on the list: Laura Loomer. The Times pointed to the 2024 book "How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf, which recounted Trump once asking aides about Loomer: "Is she too fringe to be press secretary?"

Loomer has developed a reputation in Washington as both an ally of Trump and an enforcer within his movement, at times highlighting administration figures she views as insufficiently loyal. Some of those figures have subsequently been dismissed, according to the report.

However, the report also suggested a Loomer appointment is considered unlikely, despite Trump's continued relationship with her.

Laura Loomer is perhaps the most unexpected name to surface in speculation over Leavitt's replacement. Trump has reportedly considered the idea before, but her controversial public profile has made her an unlikely choice despite her continued access to his political orbit.

Loomer was also the person who showed Trump unfounded online allegations before the 2024 ABC presidential debate claiming Haitian immigrants in Ohio were stealing and eating cats and geese.

Trump repeated a version of that claim during the debate, prompting allies including Kellyanne Conway and Lindsey Graham to urge him to distance himself from Loomer. Despite that, the two have reportedly remained in contact.

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