Longtime FOX News Host Abruptly Exits Network

Longtime conservative FOX News host Maria Bartiromo is abruptly leaving the network after 12 and a half years, the company announced Thursday.

In a terse statement, FOX News Media said it was parting ways with Bartiromo, who has been off the airwaves for weeks, effective immediately.

“Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with FOX News Media,” the company said. “We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 ½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter.”

As of Thursday afternoon, Bartiromo had not publicly commented on her departure. Vanity Fair reported that Bartiromo is not leaving to join the Trump administration, though The Daily Wire could not independently verify the report. 

Vice President JD Vance addressed speculation that Bartiromo could be the next White House press secretary. 

“No, I don’t think so. I just saw the news literally as I walked out. 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. In fact, I’d like to invite Peter Doocy to come up here and answer a question about what happened to Maria,” Vance joked at a White House press briefing. 

“I haven’t even talked to her, so I don’t know the backstory about why she’s decided to leave Fox News,” Vance added.

FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” aired its final episode Thursday morning. The program will be renamed “Mornings with FOX Business” beginning Friday and will feature a rotating lineup of anchors, the company said. 

Maria Bartiromo’s “Wall Street,” which airs Fridays on FOX Business Network, will also be renamed “FBN’s Wall Street”. Cheryl Casone will host the program this week, with rotating anchors taking over thereafter.

FOX Business Network will also launch a new weekday programming schedule, which the network said will come in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, FOX News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” will be hosted by former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz this Sunday. The network said a new permanent host will be named at a later date.

Bartiromo last interviewed President Trump in April, and he has been a frequent guest on her show since launching his political career.

This is a developing story.