Fox News anchor Bret Baier, known for his interviews with President Donald Trump, plans to ask about Elon Musk and other key issues during a segment airing on Sunday's Super Bowl pregame show. The interview will also be featured on the Monday edition of Baier's 6 p.m. show, "Special Report."
Baier, whose show has led the 6 p.m. cable news competition in ratings for years, averaged 3.5 million total viewers over the first two months of 2025, representing 70 percent of the entire share of cable news viewers from 6 to 7 p.m. Fox News, long the most-watched network in cable news, has extended its dominance since the election.
Baier told The Washington Post that he has developed an approach to interviewing Trump that involves asking shorter, tighter questions to prevent him from going off on tangents. He also noted that the rapid pace of news in the Trump administration requires constant adjustment and preparation for interviews.
Baier discussed the media's role in covering the Trump administration, acknowledging the trust issues and the shift in viewership towards new media platforms. He expressed pride in Fox News' coverage of the election, emphasizing their commitment to covering all sides and inviting diverse perspectives. He also acknowledged the impact of Trump's appearances on podcasts like Joe Rogan's, which he believes have influenced viewership and attention.
Baier described the daily pace of covering the Trump administration as "chaotic" and compared it to "drinking from a fire hose." He highlighted the difference between this administration and the Biden administration, noting that Trump's team has had four years to plan and is more familiar with the levers of power.
Baier emphasized the importance of asking tough but fair questions, allowing Trump to make news, which he does on a daily basis. He also discussed the challenges of dealing with Trump's criticisms of him and Fox News, noting that he tries to brush them aside and focus on his work.
Baier addressed the pressure to ask questions in a way that doesn't upset the audience, stating that he focuses on the substance of the questions and tries to present them in a tough but fair manner. He also highlighted the significance of the Elon Musk factor, which he believes is a new element worth exploring, especially given the Democratic criticism of Musk's involvement with the government.
Baier expressed his belief that the media is doing a good job covering the Trump administration, despite the fast-paced nature of the news cycle. He cautioned against overly emotional coverage, which he believes was a mistake in the first Trump administration and alienated viewers. He concluded by saying that the second Trump administration feels different, with Trump appearing more comfortable and confident in his role.