Fox News Faces Backlash from Trump Supporters After Host Replacement

<figure><img alt="Maria Bartiromo" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/RCCZCN2FJVDT7K3RLMVMGKG7CU.jpg?auth=dcea5e951fa359ef21887384ff0ff03b3ab2605fcf270c43c1ad3aae1b302291&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3583&amp;height=2015" /><figcaption>Paul Morigi / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>President Donald Trump’s supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with Fox News following the network's decision to replace Maria Bartiromo as the host of her Sunday show. Bartiromo was removed from her position after more than 12 years, with reports indicating that her departure was linked to her allegedly informing the White House about Fox's internal instructions regarding coverage of Trump's election claims. Bartiromo’s lawyer has disputed the claim that she was fired.</p><p>Fox News has appointed Jason Chaffetz as the temporary host of <i>Sunday Morning Futures</i>, a program Bartiromo launched in 2014. However, the audience's reaction has been negative, with many viewers expressing their discontent on social media as Chaffetz took over the show.</p><p>Gunther Eagleman, a MAGA influencer, criticized the decision, stating, “Wrong. That chair belongs to Maria Bartiromo,” and called for her return. Some viewers announced they would stop watching Fox News, with one stating, “I used to watch every Sunday morning. Not today, I went to Newsmax. No more FOX for me.”</p><p>Criticism was also directed at Chaffetz due to his previous role as a Republican congressman, which some viewers associated with a lack of support for Trump. One user referred to him as a “swamp rat” and suggested that his selection was influenced by Paul Ryan, a former House Speaker and current Fox board member, who has faced criticism from Trump supporters.</p><p>Fox News did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation. The show, which airs from 10 to 11 a.m. ET, has been a significant ratings success during Bartiromo's tenure. The network announced her departure on Thursday, stating, “Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with FOX News Media.”</p><p>Reports indicate that Bartiromo's firing was due to her having shared a directive from Fox executives with the White House, which instructed her not to promote baseless claims regarding the 2020 election. Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has maintained that she is still employed by Fox News, calling reports of her firing “absolutely and unequivocally false.”</p>