The New Yorker Radio Hour: Bret Baier On Trump’s Love-Hate Relationship with Fox News

Host: David Remnick
Guest: Bret Baier, Anchor and Executive Editor of Fox News' Special Report
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Bret Baier, the prominent anchor of Fox News' Special Report. The discussion delves into Baier's long-standing relationship with Fox News, his interactions with former President Donald Trump, and the broader dynamics of media and politics in the United States.

Bret Baier's Journey with Fox News

Bret Baier shares his extensive career at Fox News, highlighting his 27-year tenure and evolution within the network.

"I've been at Fox for 27 years. So the Atlanta bureau started my apartment with a fax machine and a cell phone... and I really do think in my job that that's not my role to get emotionally behind some issue."
— Bret Baier [02:49]

Baier discusses his rise from covering regional news to taking over from Brit Hume as the anchor of Special Report in January 2009. He emphasizes his commitment to impartial reporting, striving to present news that viewers across the political spectrum can trust.

"I'm trying to create an hour of news and analysis that somebody could watch no matter where their political leanings are and come to the end of the hour and say that was fair."
— Bret Baier [04:04]

Relationship with Donald Trump

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Baier's interactions with Donald Trump and the intricate relationship between the former president and Fox News.

Baier recounts his numerous interviews with Trump, aiming to extract genuine responses beyond rehearsed talking points.

"Ideally, I'm aiming to take them off their talking points, not hear the recited, you know, thing that we've heard X number of times."
— Bret Baier [07:45]

He reflects on a particularly contentious interview where he pressed Trump on the outcome of the 2020 election.

"He lost the 2020 election, Brett."
— Donald Trump [10:39]

Baier defends his approach to fact-checking during interviews, acknowledging the challenges of addressing misinformation in real-time.

"Well, you fact check as much as you can... It's coming at you a lot."
— Bret Baier [11:18]

Interviewing Trump: Strategies and Challenges

Baier shares his strategies for conducting interviews with Trump, emphasizing the importance of listening and redirecting to uncover new insights.

Reflecting on Trump's interview style, Baier notes:

"His strategy is to overwhelm a lot of times... But, you know, if you get in the cadence with him and you ask the question and then you follow up, he does, to his credit, answer the question eventually."
— Bret Baier [08:36]

He also discusses the dynamic nature of these interviews, adapting his approach based on the context and Trump's demeanor.

Golfing with Trump: Navigating Personal Interactions

The conversation shifts to Baier's personal interactions with Trump outside formal interviews, particularly golfing together.

Baier contemplates the potential pitfalls of such interactions but underscores the value of off-the-record conversations.

"Tell me the journalist that won't take the three hour off the record ability to pick the brain of the commander in chief... Tell me that journalist who doesn't take that and I'll say, I don't know who turns it down."
— Bret Baier [12:43]

He acknowledges the complexity of maintaining professional boundaries while gaining deeper insights through personal interactions.

Coverage of Joe Biden and Media Bias

Baier addresses critiques regarding Fox News' coverage of political figures like Joe Biden, particularly focusing on accusations of bias and unfair treatment.

"I don't think you could say that President Trump is in the same cognitive place as Joe Biden... But more importantly, he's taken more questions in the first 30 days of his presidency than Joe Biden did in two years."
— Bret Baier [16:08]

He defends Fox News' journalistic integrity, asserting that the network strives to present factual information despite differing political narratives.

Relationship with the Press and Public Perception

Baier discusses Trump's contentious relationship with the media, highlighting the polarized perceptions of Fox News' role.

"He wants what I take from it off the record is his perspective, his mindset... It's part of this cat and mouse game."
— Bret Baier [21:07]

He elaborates on how Trump balances outreach to reporters with his aggressive rhetoric against the press, creating a complex media landscape.

Comparisons with Other News Networks

The discussion extends to comparisons between Fox News and other major networks like MSNBC and CNN, exploring differences in programming and political alignment.

Baier underscores the uniqueness of Special Report in delivering straight news amidst a sea of opinion-based shows.

"They do it very well. Their opinion... We are under one umbrella, we're rowing in the same way but we do something completely different."
— Bret Baier [30:30]

He also expresses a desire for more fact-based news programming across various networks to foster a more informed public.

Facing Criticism and Maintaining Objectivity

Baier candidly addresses the criticisms he faces from both sides of the political spectrum, including personal attacks and allegations of bias.

"I've been called everything. Just liberal... super crazy."
— Bret Baier [23:02]

Despite the backlash, he remains committed to objective reporting, emphasizing his focus on presenting balanced news.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the evolving media landscape and Bret Baier's role within it. Baier reiterates his dedication to fair journalism and the importance of providing viewers with accurate information amidst growing partisan divides.

"We are making news. We have reporters, breaking news, and they're empowering us to do that."
— Bret Baier [33:09]

Baier expresses optimism for the future of news reporting, advocating for more unbiased news shows that prioritize facts over opinions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bret Baier [02:49]: "I'm trying to create an hour of news and analysis that somebody could watch no matter where their political leanings are and come to the end of the hour and say that was fair."

• Donald Trump [10:39]: "He lost the 2020 election, Brett."

• Bret Baier [16:08]: "I don't think you could say that President Trump is in the same cognitive place as Joe Biden... But more importantly, he's taken more questions in the first 30 days of his presidency than Joe Biden did in two years."

• Bret Baier [21:07]: "He wants what I take from it off the record is his perspective, his mindset... It's part of this cat and mouse game."

• Bret Baier [33:09]: "We are making news. We have reporters, breaking news, and they're empowering us to do that."

This comprehensive conversation offers listeners an in-depth look into Bret Baier's professional philosophy, his nuanced interactions with one of America’s most polarizing figures, and the broader implications for media and politics in today’s society.