Sophia Michaels
In 2024, Melania Trump chose Ainsley Earhardt for her first televised interview in over two years. Earhardt had previously interviewed Trump for her first joint conversation with Donald Trump in 2017, establishing herself as a supporter of the 45th president and his family.
This high-profile interview marked another significant achievement for Earhardt, who has been part of the Fox News team since the mid-2000s. Her journey from a struggling upbringing in South Carolina to facing political icons is fascinating. What started her journalism career, and what keeps her constantly in the media spotlight? Here’s a closer look at Ainsley Earhardt’s incredible evolution.
Ainsley had aspirations of being an actress
Ainsley Earhardt has a single acting role to her name, playing herself in the 2020 holiday film “Christmas in the Rockies.” However, if she remained focused on acting, her credits could have been much more extensive.
Prior to gaining fame as a conservative television host, Earhardt sought success in Hollywood. “I was captivated by the glamor of movies and award shows,” she recounted in an interview with Charleston.com. “I aspired for fame, which is why I once considered acting.”
Earhardt’s acting dreams lingered until her early twenties, when her parents convinced her that life in Los Angeles might not suit her. Though she ultimately graduated from the University of South Carolina, she has made her way back to the screen, even if not in the manner she expected. In 2019, she was portrayed by actress Alice Eve in the film “Bombshell,” which examined the Roger Ailes controversy.
Ainsley earned her degree at the University of South Carolina
In addition to acting, Ainsley Earhardt also nearly chose a career in dentistry. After completing her education at Spring Valley High School in South Carolina, she initially studied biology at Florida State University with the goal of becoming an orthodontist.
Despite enjoying her college experience, she found the subject matter uninterestingly and was inspired to pursue journalism after watching Leeza Gibbons discuss her degree from the University of South Carolina. Subsequently, she transferred to that school, paving her path towards a successful media career.
In 2018, Earhardt reminisced about her time there while guesting on “Fox & Friends.” “I owe much to the journalism program and my mentors; their faith in me motivated my journey,” she expressed on USC’s official website. “Even as I enjoy life in Manhattan, I cherish my beginnings as a South Carolina Gamecock.”
Ainsley began her career at Columbia’s WLTX
Ainsley Earhardt launched her television career at the beginning of the 2000s as a reporter for WLTX, her local station in Columbia.“`html
Transitioning to Morning News: Ainsley Earhardt’s Journey
After two years of reporting on various topics, Ainsley Earhardt was promoted to morning news anchor on WLTX, working with radio host Curtis Wilson. Initially, she expressed reluctance about her new role.
In an interview with Columbia Metropolitan, she told her supervisor Larry Audas that she was primarily interested in serious news such as accidents and political happenings, feeling that her image didn’t fit the lighter side of reporting.
However, Audas’ choice turned out to be wise, as the “WLTX News 19 Morning Show” quickly gained popularity, becoming the second highest-rated show in the region. Curtis Wilson praised Ainsley, stating, “How can you not like Ainsley? … Her critics have nothing but respect for her.”
Ainsley’s Marriage to College Sweetheart
Ainsley Earhardt married her college partner, Kevin McKinney, in 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church in South Carolina. McKinney had graduated a year prior and later co-founded a medical device company while working at Bank of America.
Their wedding featured 11 bridesmaids and groomsmen, reflecting a grand celebration. They honeymooned in the beautiful Turks and Caicos, enjoying their new life together.
Regrettably, their marriage ended in 2009 amid allegations of infidelity.
McKinney continued his career in the medical field, now serving as a specialist in GYN medical devices.
Joining Fox News: Ainsley’s Big Break
Ainsley made a name for herself at KENS-TV in Texas, attracting the interest of Roger Ailes, head of Fox News. In 2007, she received an offer to join the network and was later acknowledged as a valuable member of the team upon her appointment to “Fox & Friends” in 2016.
In light of several harassment allegations against Ailes in 2016, Earhardt publicly defended him, sharing her positive experiences and expressing admiration for his contributions to the network.
Following Ailes’ passing in 2017, Ainsley continued to express gratitude for his impact on her career and the network.
Diverse Coverage: From Natural Disasters to Celebrations
Today, Ainsley Earhardt is recognized for her extensive reporting on various significant events, ranging from natural calamities to high-profile occasions such as royal weddings.
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Ainsley Earhardt: From Reporter to Conservative Voice
Starting her career as a determined reporter, Ainsley Earhardt garnered attention for her dynamic reporting on major events. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she reported on significant stories such as Pope Francis’ New York visit, the arrest of Ariel Castro in Cleveland, the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, and the devastating EF5 tornado that hit Oklahoma.
In recent years, though primarily known for her role on “Fox & Friends,” she has still managed to step outside the studio to cover notable royal events in England. These include the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee, and Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Earhardt embraces the chance to travel for her reporting duties, sharing her enthusiasm in a 2020 interview. She explained the fast-paced nature of her job, which often requires her to be prepared to jump on a plane, whether it’s for presidential interviews or major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
Ainsley: A Successful Children’s Author
Ainsley showcased her versatility in 2016 when she released a children’s book that became a bestseller, titled “Take Heart, My Child: A Mother’s Dream.” This success was no one-off; she followed it with further titles like “Through Your Eyes: My Child’s Gift to Me” in 2017 and “I’m So Glad You Were Born: Celebrating Who You Are” in 2022.
As a committed Christian, her books reflect faith-centered messages. In a conversation with CBN, she expressed her belief that she was chosen to share her faith and values through her work, both at Fox and in her literature, emphasizing her duty to inspire the next generation.
In addition to her children’s publications, she made her faith evident in her memoir, “The Light Within Me.” Earhardt spoke about how her Christian faith shaped her life experiences and motivated her to share her story warmly and authentically.
Ainsley’s Marriages: A Journey of Love and Heartbreak
Ainsley entered her second marriage in 2012, tying the knot with William Proctor, a former college football player and financier. However, after seven years together, they faced the challenges of divorce.
In a heartfelt statement, Earhardt announced their separation, thanking her employer and requesting privacy during such a personal time. Initially, media reports alleged that infidelity was a factor in their split, claims that Proctor denied, asserting his commitment as a father and his desire to maintain a friendly relationship with Earhardt despite their separation.
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Ainsley Earhardt Joins Fox & Friends
In 2016, Ainsley Earhardt’s career advanced significantly when she became the co-host of “Fox & Friends,” taking over from Elisabeth Hasselbeck. With a background in journalism and prior experience on the early show “Fox & Friends First,” she was well-prepared for the role.
After her appointment, Earhardt expressed her excitement, stating that she looked forward to working with co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade to provide viewers with their morning news (via The Hollywood Reporter). A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she conducted interviews with prominent figures, including President Trump and Vice President Pence, and delivered news updates from her home studio during the pandemic lockdown.
Her presence on the show has significantly boosted ratings. Earhardt credited their success to being authentic, sharing in an interview with Business Insider that their audience resonated with their approach, leading to higher viewership numbers.
Ainsley Becomes a Favorite of Trump
In 2018, Ainsley shared her insights on Fox News, stating that her role was to represent middle America, which naturally aligned her with President Trump (via Salon). This political connection proved beneficial.
Trump had appeared on “Fox & Friends” multiple times since taking office and specifically chose Ainsley for a significant interview with First Lady Melania Trump. He also endorsed her book on Twitter, encouraging fans to support it and boost its rankings.
Ainsley consistently supported Trump publicly; she highlighted the positive aspects of his accomplishments when discussing media portrayals of his financial challenges on the show.
Ainsley Garnered Attention for Controversial Remarks
In 2018, Ainsley Earhardt found herself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after a blunder on “Fox & Friends” where she stated that America’s triumph over Japan in WWII was a result of defeating “communist Japan” (via The Standard). This misstatement didn’t go unnoticed, and despite her co-host’s attempts to downplay it, it became a talking point.
Later in the same year, she faced backlash for calling images of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as romantic. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she contradicted established health guidelines by claiming it was “the safest time to fly,” leading to criticism in 2021 for further factual inaccuracies.
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Exploring the connections between the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and the Christmas tree.
In an interview from 2020 with Evie, Ainsley Earhardt reflected on her imperfections, stating: “I’m not always perfect. I’m far from perfect. I make mistakes, but when I do I’m quick to say I’m sorry. I aspire to be that kind of person.”
Ainsley’s Journey into Motherhood
In summer 2015, Ainsley Earhardt became a mother when she and her then-spouse Will Proctor welcomed their daughter Hayden. She frequently shared her excitement, even bringing Hayden on set of “Fox & Friends” just a few months later.
In a 2021 conversation with Yahoo!’s series So Mini Ways, Earhardt talked about her distinct parenting approach compared to her father, who was strict due to his military background. She mentioned, “I set boundaries with Hayden while ensuring our home is filled with joy, wanting it to be a fun, welcoming place for her friends.”
Having experienced a miscarriage prior to Hayden’s birth, Ainsley fully cherishes their time together, expressing: “Even on tough days when she’s restless, I value every moment. I prefer these long days over the alternative of having no days at all.”
Ainsley’s Relationship with Sean Hannity
Speculation about Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity’s relationship gained traction, and in 2020, Vanity Fair confirmed the rumors through conversations with four staff members who confirmed their romantic involvement.
Rumors intensified when Ainsley, during the pandemic, broadcast from Sean’s Long Island residence. Their public appearance together at coworkers’ wedding sparks further interest.
While Hannity did not comment publicly, Ainsley downplayed the relationship, stating her primary focus was on parenting, describing Sean as a wonderful individual. Despite her denial, the couple was often seen together, and by 2024, the Daily Mail indicated that their bond remained strong despite Hannity’s relocation, marking their commitment to a long-distance relationship.
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