Fox News’ Sean Hannity took the stage during a rally in Cape Girardeau, Mo., Monday evening at the behest of President Trump, which happened hours after the media figure claimed he would not be doing so.
“Mr. President, I did an opening monologue today and I had no idea you were going to invite me up here,” Hannity said Monday evening. “And the one thing that has made and defined your presidency more than anything else: promises made, promises kept.”
Hannity thanked Trump for new American jobs, among other things, before exiting the stage.
“FOX News does not condone any talent participating in campaign events,” a Fox News spokesperson said in a statement. “We have an extraordinary team of journalists helming our coverage tonight and we are extremely proud of their work. This was an unfortunate distraction and has been addressed.”
The Trump campaign sent two emails to reporters Sunday touting how country music star Lee Greenwood would perform his hit “God Bless the USA” live at the Missouri event, as well as “special guests” Hannity and Rush Limbaugh.
That prompted reports Hannity would be rallying with Trump. However, Hannity himself tamped down speculation and pushback over the ethical concerns about a media personality making a campaign appearance.
“In spite of reports, I will be doing a live show from Cape Girardeau and interviewing President Trump before the rally,” Hannity tweeted Monday morning. “To be clear, I will not be on stage campaigning with the President. I am covering final rally for my show. Something I have done in every election in the past.”
In spite of reports, I will be doing a live show from Cape Girardeau and interviewing President Trump before the rally. To be clear, I will not be on stage campaigning with the President. I am covering final rally for my show. Something I have done in every election in the past.
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 5, 2018
Fox News host Jeanine Pirro also briefly joined Trump on stage. Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, who is from Cape Girardeau, introduced Trump earlier in the event.
On Tuesday, Hannity claimed his initial remarks were accurate since it was not a planned appearance, and said he was caught off guard by Trump’s request.
“What I said in my tweet yesterday was 100% truthful. When the POTUS invited me on stage to give a few remarks last night, I was surprised, yet honored by the president’s request. This was NOT planned.”
What I said in my tweet yesterday was 100% truthful. When the POTUS invited me on stage to give a few remarks last night, I was surprised, yet honored by the president’s request. This was NOT planned.
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 6, 2018
The rally was held for Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, who is in a tight U.S. Senate race against incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill. Trump participated in campaign rallies in Cleveland, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Ind. earlier in the day Monday.
The 2018 midterm elections will be held on Nov. 6.
