Trump reportedly wanted ex-Fox host Maria Bartiromo as press secretary before Zacharia
The gist
Axios reported Trump wanted former Fox host Maria Bartiromo as press secretary and she signaled she would not take it.
The report surfaces after Katie Zacharia was fired five days into the job.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2026Bartiromo abruptly exited Fox News Media; her programs were rebranded or taken off the air, and Fox thanked her for "the last 12 ½ years."
- Oct 9, 2026Trump announced the hire of Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary.
- Oct 16, 2026Axios reported, citing two administration sources, that Trump wanted Bartiromo for press secretary and that she signaled she was not going to take the job.