Fox News has announced it is hiring former Andrew Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa as a contributor. RedState reported the network will have her appear across its programming and on a new podcast. This podcast, called “the Girls,” debuts on October 1. Rachel Campos-Duffy, Harris Faulkner, Kat Timpf, and former ESPN host Samantha Ponder are part of the premiere lineup. Fox’s announcement characterizes DeRosa merely as a “veteran democratic strategist.” This description omits her role in a major scandal involving nursing home deaths.
During the COVID pandemic, DeRosa served as one of Cuomo’s most powerful aides. She emerged as a central figure in the scandal regarding New York’s reporting of nursing home deaths. The Daily Caller noted she served in the administration until resigning in August 2021. She left amid allegations that the governor sexually harassed government employees. Critics argue that hiring her undermines the network’s trust with its viewers.
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) September 28, 2026
DeRosa admitted on a recorded call that her administration covered up nursing home death numbers. According to her, Democratic lawmakers worried that the data would be weaponized by the Trump administration against them. The Daily Caller stated she remarked, “He starts tweeting that we killed everyone in nursing homes.” She claimed officials were unsure if their data would be used in a Justice Department probe.
Lawmakers were told by her, “We were in a position where we weren’t sure if what we were going to give to the Department of Justice, or what we give to you guys, what we start saying, was going to be used against us while we weren’t sure if there was going to be an investigation.” DeRosa also remarked, “It was not our intention to put you in that political position with the Republicans.” She explained that the fear of political attacks led to the cover-up.
Excited to officially join the @FoxNews team as a contributor and be part of “The Girls,” a new digital show and podcast bringing together unique female voices and perspectives across news, politics, sports, comedy, & culture.
Our first episode drops October 1 across FOX News…
— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) September 28, 2026
Public backlash has been immediate and severe. One critic observed, “Just a reminder: Melissa DeRosa helped smear the women who came forward about Andrew Cuomo’s harassment, and played a hand in undercounting nursing home deaths during COVID.” Another observer added that she “Also tried to silence my advocacy.” These comments highlight the deep anger from families who lost loved ones.
The new show aims to bring diverse female voices to the network. RedState confirmed the lineup includes DeRosa alongside established stars like Samantha Ponder. The network describes the project as a fresh take on current events. However, DeRosa’s past actions cast a long shadow over this new venture. Viewers are asking why the network chose someone who admitted to hiding vital health data.
Give it a rest, @ZohranKMamdani.
Everyone knows exactly where you stand, which is why you still can’t bring yourself to denounce the disgusting, vile phrase “globalize the intifada,” and why it took you over 24 hours to denounce Hamas: a terrorist organization funded by Iran.… https://t.co/vSRSXSVYgE
— Melissa DeRosa (@melissadderosa) January 12, 2026
The decision raises questions about accountability within the newsroom. DeRosa admitted she feared political consequences more than transparency for the public. This admission contradicts the core values many conservative viewers hold dear. The network has not yet released a statement addressing these specific concerns. Families waiting for answers about their loved ones deserve better than a silence from the top.
Fox News must decide if this hire serves its audience or hurts its reputation. The facts are clear: DeRosa admitted to withholding data to protect a politician. She did this while families were grieving and seeking truth. The network now faces a test of its own integrity. Will they stand for truth, or will they prioritize a controversial figure? The answer will define their relationship with their loyal viewers.
