JD Vance dismisses rumors Maria Bartiromo could be next White House press secretary

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance on Saturday, September 12, dismissed speculation that former Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo could become the next White House press secretary, saying he did not expect her to take the role.

Vance was asked about Bartiromo during the first official White House press briefing in more than a month, following the abrupt announcement that she was leaving the network. “I don’t know, man,” Vance said, laughing. “No, I don’t think so.” Bartiromo’s departure and her close relationship with President Donald Trump had fueled speculation about her next move.

Vance says he does not know why Bartiromo left Fox

Bartiromo left the outlet after more than 12 years with the network, with the network announcing that her departure was effective immediately. The network did not publicly provide a reason for the decision and subsequently began rebranding her Fox Business program Mornings with Maria as Mornings with FOX Business, with rotating anchors.

When asked whether Bartiromo could be the next press secretary, Vance dismissed the possibility, stating, “I don’t know, man,” he said, laughing. “No, I don’t think." However, Vance spoke positively about the longtime television anchor. "I think she's an amazing person, an amazing talent,” he said. 

Later, Vance reiterated that he did not know the circumstances surrounding her exit from Fox. “I wish her all the best,” Vance said. “She's a very very dear friend. I haven't even talked to her, so I don't know the backstory about why she's decided to leave Fox News.”

Bartiromo has not publicly disclosed what she plans to do next. She addressed her departure, on Thursday, September 10, publicly for the first time since her exit, thanking supporters for their messages and suggesting that she would return with another project.

“Before too much time passes, I want to thank all of my friends, followers and supporters for all of the kind words,” Bartiromo wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for the outpouring of love this past week on social media & through texts. I love you all and I promise to be back soon w my next moves.” She also posted on X alongside a photograph of a rainbow, writing, “More to come.”

White House press secretary search continues

The speculation over Bartiromo comes as the White House searches for a replacement for former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who left her position at the end of August. Officials are expected to rotate through briefings while President Trump’s administration considers potential candidates. 

Other names floated for the position include Scott Jennings, Alina Habba, Monica Crowley, Jason Miller and Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly. Bartiromo’s relationship with Trump has been a major factor behind speculation about a possible move into the administration.

During her time at Fox, she frequently interviewed Trump and became one of the network’s prominent pro-Trump voices after spending two decades as a financial journalist at CNBC.

Reports also alleged that Bartiromo shared internal network editorial guidance concerning coverage of Trump’s July address with the White House.