REPORT: Reason Revealed Why Maria Bartiromo Departed Network

Longtime Fox News and Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo has reportedly been dismissed by the network after more than 12 years, triggering questions about whether her departure was connected to an attempted report involving alleged Chinese interference in the 2020 election.

Dylan Byers, a founding partner at Puck News, reported Thursday that Bartiromo wanted to pursue a story involving China and allegations surrounding the election, an especially sensitive subject for Fox following its legal battles with Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.

“The Maria Bartiromo backstory, per multiple sources familiar,” Byers wrote on X shortly after news of her departure emerged.

“Maria Bartiromo wanted to pursue a story related to China and 2020 election voting conspiracies… a major sensitivity for the network given its Dominion and Smartmatic lawsuits,” the post continued.

According to Byers, a Fox Business executive instructed producers that the proposed report could not be broadcast.

“A Fox Business executive sent a text to Fox Business producers informing them that that story could not go to air,” he wrote.

Byers claimed Bartiromo then forwarded evidence of that directive to senior members of the Trump administration.

“Bartiromo took a screenshot of the guidance and sent it to senior White House officials,” Byers claimed.

“Fox News leadership learned about that after receiving a call from the White House, which they viewed as a fireable offense,” he said.

Byers reported that Fox removed Bartiromo from television after Aug. 9 before formally dismissing her. He also said her executive producer, Patrick Ignozzi, was fired.

“Fox pulled Bartiromo from air after Aug. 9. She was fired today. I have also learned that her executive producer Patrick Ignozzi was also fired after the annoucnement,” said Byers, adding: “Maria had resigned her contract with Fox last February.”

Bartiromo spent approximately 12 years at Fox, according to the New York Post, becoming one of the network’s most recognizable business and political journalists.

Fox News Media confirmed that it had ended its relationship with her.

“Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with Fox News Media,” the company announced.

“We thank Maria for her work over the last 12-and-a-half years and wish her all the best on her next chapter,” Fox News Media said in a statement.

Bartiromo’s last actual appearance on “Mornings with Maria” was Friday, Aug. 7. The program continued using her name through Sept. 3 despite her absence from the air for nearly four weeks.

During that period, Fox Business relied on several rotating guest hosts instead of immediately selecting a permanent replacement.

Jackie DeAngelis hosted the program on Aug. 20, leading its interviews and panel discussions. Lauren Simonetti filled in on Aug. 14, while Cheryl Casone served as guest host on Aug. 27.

Fox has now announced changes affecting all three programs previously associated with Bartiromo.

“Mornings with Maria” will become “Mornings with FOX Business,” featuring rotating anchors beginning Friday.

“Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street” will be renamed “FBN’s Wall Street,” with Casone hosting the Friday evening program.

Former Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz will host “Sunday Morning Futures” this weekend while Fox searches for a permanent replacement.

Fox Business is also expected to introduce a broader weekday programming lineup in the coming weeks.

Bartiromo’s abrupt departure immediately generated speculation that she might join President Donald Trump’s administration, possibly as a future replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Vice President JD Vance, however, indicated that he did not expect Bartiromo to move into the White House.

“I love Maria. I think she’s an amazing person, amazing talent,” Vance told reporters.

“Whatever she does, look, she’s gonna do great, and I wish her all the best. She’s a very, very dear friend,” the vice president added.

Neither Bartiromo nor Fox’s official statements established that the disputed election story caused her dismissal. The reported sequence of events, however, has intensified scrutiny of how the network handles subjects connected to the 2020 election following its costly legal conflicts with voting-technology companies.

Bartiromo’s next move remains unknown, but her prominence, loyal audience, and longstanding connection to conservative politics make it unlikely that she will disappear from public life.