Peter Navarro Claims Maria Bartiromo Shared Fox News Editorial Guidance Before Departure

<figure><img alt="Host Maria Bartiromo prepares for a taping of her show 'Wall Street Week' on Fox Business Network in New York, U.S., March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/KK357ZTQRFBOXNI3SCOAA2FO3A.JPG?auth=5bb07e93bf4316559f46e10702c6a98af9cc8e6f2a725cdd43ebbf6351b699d9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1510&amp;height=849" /><figcaption>BRENDAN MCDERMID / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Peter Navarro, a senior trade adviser in the White House, stated that former Fox News host Maria Bartiromo shared editorial mandates from network executives with him, which he claims contributed to her departure from the network.</p><p>Fox News announced on September 1, 2026, that it had parted ways with Bartiromo after over 12 years. The company did not provide a specific reason for her departure, but subsequent reports indicated that it was related to Bartiromo sharing guidance from her superiors regarding coverage of President Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election, instructing her to avoid the topic.</p><p>Navarro told Puck that Bartiromo sent him a screenshot of the editorial directive, which he then shared with others in the White House. He described Fox's actions as “censoring” the story.</p><p>According to reports, Bartiromo had intended to invite Navarro to discuss Trump’s speech on her show. However, after the editorial guidance was received, it was passed to Navarro, who claimed that it was an attempt to suppress coverage of the issue.</p><p>After Navarro shared this information, a senior Trump official raised concerns with Fox News leadership. Reports indicate that Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and President Jay Wallace were displeased with Bartiromo's actions. The company informed her of the decision to end her shows weeks after her last broadcast on August 9. Bartiromo remains under contract and is expected to be paid until 2028.</p><p>Bartiromo’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that reports claiming she was fired are false, asserting that she is still employed by the network. He mentioned that they have evidence to support their claims, which may be revealed in court.</p><p>A Fox News spokesperson reiterated the company's statement regarding Bartiromo's departure, confirming that she is no longer with Fox News Media.</p><p>In the weeks leading up to Bartiromo's exit, Fox executives reportedly instructed her staff to limit contact with her. A source indicated that staff members were required to go through management for communication.</p><p>Both Bartiromo and Navarro have been noted for their support of Trump. Bartiromo has been involved in promoting unfounded claims about the 2020 election, which contributed to Fox's significant settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in a defamation case. Navarro has been implicated in efforts to overturn the election results and faced legal consequences for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to Fox, the White House, and Freedman for comments regarding Navarro’s claims.</p>