Fox News announces Caitlyn Jenner as new contributor
Olympic gold medalist and former reality TV star Caitlin Jenner has signed on as a Fox News contributor, CEO Suzanne Scott announced Thursday, coinciding with the "International Transgender Day of Visibility."
Scott said: "Caitlyn’s story is an inspiration to us all. She is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and her illustrious career spans a variety of fields that will be a tremendous asset for our audience."
Jenner, who was known as Bruce before coming out as a transgender woman in 2015, ran as a Republican for governor of California last year.
The former Olympic athlete has appeared on Fox before but formally began as as a contributor with an appearance on "Hannity" Thursday evening.
"I am humbled by this unique opportunity to speak directly to @FoxNews millions of viewers about a range of issues that are important to the American people," Jenner tweeted.
The announcement was met with support from fellow Fox employees.
Host Tammy Bruce tweeted, "Congrats and welcome aboard."
Fox's Tomi Lahren said, "Proud to welcome [Caitlyn Jenner] to the FoxNews family. She is a kind and wonderful human who fights harder for freedom and American values than most. Anyone who says any different likely hasn’t met her or given her a chance. I am proud to call her a friend and now a colleague!"
The news drew some ridicule still.
The satirical outlet Not the Bee ran published the headline, "Fox News hires Caitlyn Jenner to prove how conservative they are or something."