President-elect Donald Trump has named longtime Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce as the new spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, further solidifying the incoming administration’s trend of drawing heavily from conservative media circles to fill key government roles.
In a post made Friday on Truth Social, Trump praised Bruce as “a highly respected political analyst” and announced her appointment as part of the State Department team led by Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio. The announcement comes just weeks before Trump is expected to officially take office for a second term.
“It is my great honor to announce that Tammy Bruce will be joining our incredible Nominee for United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State,” Trump wrote. “Tammy has brought truth to the American people for over two decades. I know she will bring that same strength of conviction and fearless spirit to her new position.”
Bruce’s Career in Media and Politics
Tammy Bruce, who officially left Fox News on Friday, had been with the network since 2005. Known for her sharp commentary and unapologetically conservative views, Bruce carved out a prominent role on various Fox programs over nearly two decades. Her departure was confirmed by a network spokesperson.
“Tammy Bruce has been an extremely valued contributor at FOX News Media for nearly 20 years and we wish her all the best in her new role,” the spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.
Before her media career, Bruce was deeply involved in liberal politics. A registered Democrat until 2008, she worked on multiple progressive campaigns in the 1990s and even served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). According to her Fox News biography, Bruce’s transition away from the political left followed what she described as “disillusionment with the radical agenda of the left.”
Now, she frames her political identity around the idea of “exposing and defeating” the same progressive ideology she once embraced.
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A Familiar Pattern in Trump’s Staffing Choices
Bruce is the latest in a series of former Fox News personalities to be tapped for positions in Trump’s administration. Others include former congressman and contributor Sean Duffy, physician Janette Nesheiwat, former Defense Department official Pete Hegseth, and economist Monica Crowley.
Her appointment underscores the deep relationship between the Trump political movement and Fox News, which has served both as a media platform and a recruiting ground for Trump-aligned figures.
The role of State Department spokesperson is not subject to Senate confirmation, allowing Bruce to begin her duties immediately once the administration is in place. In that role, she will serve as the public face of the department, conducting press briefings, managing media inquiries, and articulating U.S. foreign policy to both domestic and international audiences.
Praise from Trump, Concerns from Critics
In his Truth Social post, Trump offered strong praise for Bruce’s background, highlighting her transition from liberal activist to conservative advocate as a key asset.
“Tammy saw the lies and fraud of the Radical Left firsthand,” Trump wrote. “She now works to make sure her experience as a liberal community organizer is used to expose and help defeat the leftist agenda.”
Supporters of the appointment say Bruce’s media experience and ability to articulate complex political positions clearly make her well-suited for the spokesperson role. Conservative commentators on social media celebrated the announcement as a “win for free speech” and applauded Trump for choosing someone “unafraid to speak truth to power.”
However, critics argue that Bruce’s lack of diplomatic experience could be a liability. State Department spokespeople are often expected to navigate sensitive international issues, deliver carefully worded statements, and represent U.S. positions under intense global scrutiny.
“Being a TV commentator and being a diplomatic spokesperson are very different roles,” said Laura Palmer, a former senior adviser in the Obama State Department. “This is not the place for ideological bomb-throwing. It’s about precision, nuance, and representing the entire country, not just one political tribe.”
No Confirmation Required, Role Begins Soon
As the State Department spokesperson is a non-confirmation role, Bruce is expected to assume her duties later this month following Trump’s inauguration. Sources close to the transition team say she has already begun internal briefings and media training tailored for the diplomatic environment.
The appointment is likely to be closely watched by the press corps, especially given Bruce’s outspoken media presence and history of fiery commentary. Whether she adapts her tone to the measured language often expected from U.S. diplomats remains to be seen.
For now, Bruce joins a growing list of familiar conservative media figures stepping into influential roles under Trump 2.0, signaling that the next four years may continue to blur the lines between media and government in unprecedented ways.
