Bret Baier Claps Back at Chuck Todd’s Criticism During Media Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fox News anchor Bret Baier publicly responded to criticism leveled at him by former NBC political director Chuck Todd during a media summit on Thursday. Todd implied that Baier, whose role in the media has evolved, has shifted focus away from journalism towards personal connections, saying, “I thought he really cared about being a journalist first and wanted to walk that line. And now he just wants to have tee time with the president.”

During the Semafor Media Summit, co-founder Ben Smith inquired about Todd’s remarks. Baier, whose prime-time show features interviews with key political figures, asserted that he was preparing to speak with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer later that evening. “I don’t know what Todd is doing, but I’m focused on covering the news,” he said, dismissing Todd’s critique.

This interaction follows Todd’s departure from NBC after nearly two decades, where he served as the moderator of “Meet the Press.” Todd’s recent comments, made on The Bulwark podcast, do not explicitly name Baier, though it was clear that Baier was the intended target.

Baier elaborated on the importance of his off-the-record conversations with political leaders: “If I have off-the-record conversations and moments with President Trump, any journalist would want to get in his mind of what is next… that’s part of covering the news,” he stated. He defended Fox News’ coverage, arguing that the network has led on significant stories that other outlets have criticized.

Baier responded to allegations against Fox News regarding its reporting, particularly on topics like COVID-19 and its origins. He claimed, “We were attacked in the media who covered media, and a year later, it turns out we were leading the way. Over time, the audience has come to trust us.” His remarks received a positive reaction from the audience, affirming his perspective.

As the conversation progressed, Baier maintained that his primary focus remains on delivering news rather than engaging in personal disputes. Todd has yet to publicly respond to Baier’s rebuttal. The dynamic between the two signifies a shifting landscape in political journalism and how reporters navigate their roles in the media ecosystem.