Former ESPN Reporter Britt McHenry Takes Press Advisory Role at State Department

Britt McHenry, a former ESPN reporter and Fox News Media contributor, has confirmed she is joining the U.S. Department of State as a press advisor under the Trump administration, marking a career shift from sports and cable news into government communications.

McHenry announced the move on social media Wednesday, writing that she was honored to be appointed to the role at what she called the country’s highest diplomatic institution. In a separate LinkedIn post, she said she planned to apply her 17 years of on-camera news experience to her new position, which will include managing press inquiries, working with Global Public Affairs, and developing strategies to improve public understanding of the agency’s initiatives.

She also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a fellow Floridian whose political career she said she had followed since its beginnings.

The State Department had not responded to a request for confirmation and additional details as of Thursday. Barrett Media first reported the appointment on Tuesday.

A Career in Sports Media and Beyond

McHenry spent three years at The Walt Disney Company-owned ESPN, where she worked as a reporter covering news across the network’s platforms. Her tenure included a one-week suspension in 2015 after a video surfaced showing her making insulting remarks to a towing company employee. She apologized at the time, saying her emotions had gotten the better of her. ESPN, part of Disney’s portfolio spanning its Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences segments, released her in 2017 amid a round of layoffs. Disney shares closed recently at $104.90, up 0.69% on the day.

After leaving ESPN, McHenry built a media career that included stints at Fox News Media, Fox 5 D.C., Real America’s Voice News, and The Spectator. In 2019, she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News and commentator George “Tyrus” Murdoch; the parties voluntarily dismissed the suit in 2021. McHenry has also spoken publicly about undergoing surgery in 2020 to remove a brain tumor, which she described as successful.

What to watch

• Whether the State Department publicly confirms the appointment and provides details on McHenry’s start date and reporting structure.
• Any further staffing announcements within the department’s press and Global Public Affairs offices.
• McHenry’s public communications activity in the role as she transitions from media contributor to government spokesperson.

Source: original release