Maria Bartiromo leaves Fox News after 12 years as Trump press secretary rumors take off

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Maria Bartiromo is leaving Fox News after more than 12 years at the network, triggering immediate speculation about what the veteran television host will do next.

Fox announced her departure on Thursday, September 3, without giving a reason, while reports about a possible move into the Trump administration began circulating almost immediately.

Bartiromo has maintained close ties with President Donald Trump and interviewed him repeatedly, fueling questions about whether her next chapter could take her to Washington.

Maria Bartiromo exits Fox News

Fox News confirmed that Bartiromo is departing after 12.5 years, but offered no explanation for the sudden change.

“We thank Maria for her work over the last 12.5 years and wish her all the best on her next chapter,” the network said in a statement.

Her departure affects both of her major Fox programs.

'Mornings With Maria' on Fox Business will be renamed 'Mornings with Fox Business' and temporarily feature a rotating lineup of hosts.

Her Sunday program, 'Sunday Morning Futures', will likewise move to rotating presenters, with Jason Chaffetz scheduled to host the upcoming edition.

Neither Bartiromo nor her representatives had publicly announced her next move at the time of the network's announcement.

Maria Bartiromo's exit fuels speculation

The timing of Bartiromo’s exit quickly prompted questions about a potential role in the Trump administration.

Bartiromo has developed a particularly strong relationship with Trump over the years, interviewing him frequently and receiving repeated public praise from the president.

Her political proximity to Trump has previously generated speculation about a possible government position.

In early 2025, Politico reporter Alex Isenstadt reported that Trump had considered Bartiromo as a potential vice-presidential choice, highlighting the extent to which her name has circulated around the president’s political operation.

But reports about her next destination have not been consistent.

Aidan McLaughlin, Washington correspondent for Vanity Fair, reported that Bartiromo was not leaving Fox for a position in the Trump administration.

JD Vance weighs in on press secretary rumors

The speculation intensified further when Vice President JD Vance was asked about Bartiromo potentially becoming the next White House press secretary.

Vance appeared to dismiss the possibility.

Asked whether Bartiromo could take the job, he responded, “I don't know man. No, I don't think so,” while laughing off the question.

Below is the video that shows Vance addressing question regarding Bartiromo joining Trump White House.

New York Republican Rep Nicole Malliotakis was also among those publicly entertaining the idea. 

She praised Bartiromo following the announcement and suggested she could become the next White House press secretary.

Rep Anna Paulina Luna also expressed affection for the longtime host and thanked her for their interviews over the years, adding that she believed Bartiromo would not be out of the public eye for long.