Harris Faulkner Reflects on 2018 The View Clash: A Moment That Changed Her Career and the Future of Daytime TV

In a candid reflection that has sent ripples across the media landscape, Fox News’ Harris Faulkner opened up about a pivotal moment in her career—an emotional confrontation on The View in 2018 that became a defining episode in her journey. What initially seemed like a routine appearance turned into a shocking moment that not only challenged her professionally but also ignited a wider debate on media culture, personal boundaries, and the role of women in broadcast journalism.

The Setting: The View and the Unexpected Confrontation

The incident took place on The View, a daytime talk show known for its lively debates, bold opinions, and often combative tone. Faulkner, who has established herself as a calm and composed presence on Fox News, was invited to discuss her career, her life as a journalist, and her new book. But things quickly took an unexpected turn when co-host Sunny Hostin pressed Faulkner on her personal life, shifting the conversation from professional matters to her family.

It all started innocuously enough. The panel was discussing race and identity in the media, a topic Faulkner has often addressed throughout her career. But when Hostin brought up Faulkner’s family—specifically her daughters, Bella and Danika—things took a personal turn. Hostin displayed a photo of Faulkner’s daughters on the screen, a move that caught Faulkner off guard.

In her memoir, Faith Under Fire, Faulkner later described the moment as an invasion of privacy. “I was there to discuss my career, my values, my book,” she explained in a 2025 interview. “I wasn’t prepared to be ambushed with my children’s images on national television. That moment felt deeply inappropriate.”

The Fallout: A Breach of Trust

What followed was a delicate balancing act for Faulkner, who was forced to navigate the tension between maintaining professionalism and defending her privacy. The conversation shifted from her book to race and motherhood, with Hostin attempting to highlight Faulkner’s experiences as a Black woman raising biracial children. While Hostin’s intentions were likely well-meaning, the intrusion into Faulkner’s personal life was seen by many as a breach of trust, especially in an industry where private lives are often fodder for public discussion.

Faulkner remained poised, but the encounter had a lasting impact on her. “I’ve spent years building my career on my ability to control the narrative, to stick to facts,” Faulkner later shared. “But in that moment, the narrative was no longer in my hands.”

A Call for Respect and Boundaries

The backlash against The View’s handling of the interview was swift. While Faulkner’s fans rallied behind her, expressing outrage over the intrusion, many others called for a more respectful approach to personal boundaries in interviews. “Why do we have to dive into personal lives to get to the real story?” one fan wrote on social media. “Let people decide when and how they want to share about their families.”

Faulkner’s response to the incident wasn’t one of anger but rather a commitment to setting boundaries. “I’ve always been someone who believes in transparency, but there’s a difference between transparency and exploitation,” she remarked. “It’s about respect. Respect for the work you do, and respect for the life you choose to share.”

The Bigger Picture: Media Culture and Gender Dynamics

The fallout from the The View encounter also sparked wider conversations about the culture of media and gender dynamics in broadcast journalism. Faulkner’s reflection on the incident has provided an opportunity to examine how women in the media are often held to different standards. Women in positions of power, particularly in newsrooms, are frequently expected to balance professional success with the pressure to reveal personal details.

“Women in the media are often expected to offer up pieces of their personal lives for public consumption,” Faulkner explained. “And when we don’t, we’re seen as aloof or defensive. But I’m not here to perform for anyone. I’m here to inform, and I’m here to do my job.”

A New Direction: The Rise of The Faulkner Focus and Her Return to Power

In 2025, Faulkner’s new show, The Faulkner Focus, which premiered to critical acclaim, marked a fresh chapter in her career. The show, which centers on breaking news, political analysis, and in-depth interviews, has quickly become a favorite for viewers who appreciate her calm, authoritative presence and no-nonsense approach to delivering news.

Since her departure from The View interview circuit, Faulkner’s resilience and strong sense of self have only become more apparent. The show has given her a platform to reclaim her narrative and focus on the issues that matter most to her and her audience. “This is my space,” Faulkner said, referring to her role as anchor of The Faulkner Focus. “I’m not here to pander or perform. I’m here to ask the questions that need to be asked and to give people the news they can trust.”

In a broader sense, Faulkner’s approach represents a shift in how journalism is perceived, particularly for women in media. Rather than being seen as a passive participant in the entertainment-driven world of talk shows, Faulkner has become a force for reason and clarity in an industry that often values spectacle over substance.

The Importance of Respectful Discourse in Today’s Media Landscape

Faulkner’s stance on boundaries, both personally and professionally, is an important lesson in an era where media often thrives on sensationalism and divisive rhetoric. “It’s not about playing it safe,” Faulkner said in her 2025 interview. “It’s about knowing when to engage and when to hold back. Not every battle is worth fighting on public television. But when it matters, I will fight for the truth, and I will fight for the respect of everyone involved.”

Her decision to move forward with The Faulkner Focus, while distancing herself from the drama that defined much of her time on other shows, signifies a pivotal moment in her career. It marks a new chapter where respect, integrity, and authenticity are at the forefront of her work.

What’s Next for Faulkner and Her Legacy

As Faulkner continues to break new ground with The Faulkner Focus, her legacy in the media world is firmly cemented. She has proven that success in journalism doesn’t need to come at the expense of personal boundaries. Her ability to navigate tough situations, stand firm in her beliefs, and focus on what truly matters—delivering accurate, thoughtful news—has made her one of the most respected voices in the industry.

The lessons she learned from her The View experience—about setting boundaries, demanding respect, and balancing career success with personal integrity—will continue to shape her work moving forward. And for viewers who appreciate honest, straightforward journalism, Faulkner’s path forward offers hope that true journalism, rooted in respect and professionalism, will always have a place in the media landscape.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Harris Faulkner and Media Ethics

The 2018 The View incident serves as a defining moment in Harris Faulkner’s career. It forced her to confront the complexities of media culture, gender dynamics, and the constant struggle for control of one’s personal narrative. As Faulkner continues to build The Faulkner Focus into a cornerstone of Fox News’ programming, her ability to stay true to her values will serve as a powerful reminder that even in an age of sensationalism and noise, integrity and respect still matter.