Title: Exclusive: Source Inside Fox News Leaked Advance Questions to Trump's Camp for Town Hall, Book Claims
Title: Exclusive: Source Inside Fox News Leaked Advance Questions to Trump's Camp for Town Hall, Book Claims
The report, Fox News claims to investigate, stems from political reporter Alex Isenstadt's upcoming book "Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power." Isenstadt conducted extensive research for the book, including over 300 interviews, internal memos, notes, recordings, and numerous reporting trips to Palm Beach and a flight with Trump in June 2023.
According to the book's previews shared with CNN, Isenstadt describes a close relationship between Donald Trump and those within Fox News. In January 2024, Trump was scheduled for a town hall event with Iowa voters, moderated by Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Some of Trump's advisers were still resentful towards Fox News due to its perceived antagonistic coverage and did not want Trump to attend the event.
However, Trump had a good rapport with Baier, being golf buddies, and desired to participate in the sit-down. Despite this, Baier and MacCallum were known for their tougher questioning of Trump, and his staff warned of potentially pressing questions about disavowing political violence and future political retribution if he won reelection. Unfortunately, Trump was not preparing adequately for the telecast, choosing to wing it instead.
As the town hall was about to begin, senior Trump aides received text messages from an inside source at Fox. They were surprised to discover images of all the planned questions and follow-ups, including the exact wording. This was reminiscent of a student getting a peek at the test before the exam started, offering them a significant advantage.
The planned questions included inquiries about Trump divesting from his businesses, evaluating the party's risk in nominating him, disavowing political violence, and discussing potential retribution if he won the election. Trump reportedly became "pissed" when he realized the tough lines of inquiry aimed at putting him on the defensive.
With the questions in hand, the team workshopped answers, turning the situation to their advantage. Isenstadt confirmed the anecdote to CNN, based on numerous individuals with direct knowledge, expressing full confidence in the reporting.
Fox News spokespersons responded by saying they lack evidence of the alleged breach but intended to investigate the matter seriously. They also refuted the characterization of Baier as golf buddies with Trump, stating the two had only played golf a few times over the past decade.
In 2022, CNN reported that Bartiromo had sent text messages to Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, outlining planned questions for her interview with Trump in November 2020. This information emerged during Congress' investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Isenstadt's book also reveals that Trump seriously considered tapping Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo as his running mate, before his team ultimately rejected the notion. Bartiromo's reputation as a Trump favorite, along with her numerous softball interviews with him, made her an appealing choice. However, the team opted against incorporating Bartiromo due to insufficient vetting time, as they had dedicated extensive resources to evaluating other potential running mates.
Cheung, when contacted by CNN, did not directly address the book's claims regarding the town hall. He instead praised Vice President-elect Vance as a defender of the America First agenda, indicating Trump's contentment with his running mate selection.
"Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power" is set to be released in March from Grand Central Publishing.
The book's allegations suggest a close business relationship between Donald Trump and Fox News, with some of his advisers viewing the network's coverage as antagonistic. Trump's town hall event with Fox News in January 2024 was a significant media opportunity, with Baier and MacCallum known for their tough questioning.