Fox News provided a platform for overlooked DC scandals, says former Rep. Jason Chaffetz
Chaffetz argues that the network sustained coverage of issues like Fast and Furious, the IRS scandal, and Secret Service misconduct when other media outlets had moved on.
Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz asserts that Fox News played a crucial role in keeping significant Washington D.C. scandals in the public eye, even after other media outlets ceased their coverage.
In an opinion piece, Chaffetz cited the "Fast and Furious" operation, IRS targeting of conservative groups, and Secret Service misconduct as examples where Fox News maintained focus on the stories when other newsrooms considered them resolved or mere footnotes. He recalled his early days in Congress, when host Neil Cavuto gave him a platform to discuss his opposition to earmark spending, highlighting Fox's willingness to cover issues beyond typical headlines.
Chaffetz detailed the "Fast and Furious" scandal, where firearms were intentionally allowed to fall into the hands of criminals, leading to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. He stated that while the Justice Department attempted to minimize the incident and other news organizations labeled it a botched sting, Fox News kept Agent Terry's name in the public discourse and continued to question who authorized the program.
He also recounted the Secret Service's struggles in 2015, including a fence jumper within the White House perimeter and a prostitution scandal involving agents. Chaffetz noted that when his committee investigated, the agency accessed his old job application to find potentially embarrassing information, an act he characterized as an attempt to punish the committee. He contended that Fox News remained engaged with the pattern of misconduct and retaliation, which eventually led to an inspector general's written report.
Regarding the IRS scandal, Chaffetz highlighted Lois Lerner's department's alleged delays in processing applications from conservative groups before an election. He pointed out the claims of lost emails due to a "hard drive crash" and the subsequent discovery of backup tapes by an inspector general. Chaffetz criticized the White House's dismissal of the scandal as phony and the Justice Department's decision not to prosecute Lerner for contempt, asserting that Fox News did not follow other outlets in dropping the story.
Chaffetz expressed his respect for former Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer and their interactions. He concluded that while scandals may change names over time, the instinct to ignore them persists. He credited Fox News with providing a consistent platform for investigations during his tenure on the House Oversight Committee when other networks had moved on.