It's well known among the general public that most of Fox News will support President Trump no matter what he does.
But, normally, Fox News hosts at least try to pretend they're impartial.
Sean Hannity must have missed this memo, however, when he donated signed copies of his book for the Trump campaign to give away in exchange for donations.
Sean Hannity lends his book and name for the RNC to help raise money for Trump. The stuff that would normally get o… https://t.co/79MFonlwxz— Sam Stein (@Sam Stein)1596414216.0
Next time Sean Hannity or anyone at Fox tries to pretend he’s independent of Trump, remind them Hannity provided s… https://t.co/QCPPMAzsFk— Eric Deggans at NPR (@Eric Deggans at NPR)1596416495.0
So @seanhannity is literally fundraising for the @GOP and @realDonaldTrump. Just say that he is on the campaign tea… https://t.co/5Ak8jaZL9d— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin)1596418022.0
Journalists from major media companies are usually not allowed to make political contributions of any kind.
Hannity came under fire for similar behavior several years ago when he appeared onstage alongside Trump at a campaign rally. At the time, Fox said it "does not condone any talent participating in campaign events."
How many of @seanhannity's books did the @RNC and @TeamTrump buy? Over/under is 15,000. https://t.co/j5Ar9pKZOT— Reed Galen (@Reed Galen)1596422173.0
Previously, in 2016, Fox News had promised an end to such behavior when Hannity appeared in a televised campaign ad for President Trump.
Fox News on Hannity appearing in a Trump ad in 2016: “We had no knowledge...and he will not be doing anything along… https://t.co/Fb8baIBX2q— Aaron Blake (@Aaron Blake)1596420338.0
When I received this fundraising email, I asked a Fox PR person for comment.. https://t.co/rGnTxAsT7Y— Brian Stelter (@Brian Stelter)1596415157.0
Despite Fox's repeated claims that Hannity's explicit support of President Trump will stop, he has faced no consequences for his violation of journalistic ethical practices.
Remember when MSNBC host Keith Olbermann was suspended without pay after he made campaign contributions to a couple… https://t.co/pZw8q2VP5n— Sean Corcoran (@Sean Corcoran)1596420273.0
Meanwhile, Hannity continues to give his "take" on the news every night.
.@seanhannity is honestly the grift that keeps on grifting. #TrumpHasNoPlan other than greasing the palms of his… https://t.co/XZyU6mdCdm— Jordy (@Jordy)1596415846.0
Of course, the unethical (and potentially illegal) behavior goes in both directions. Lost in the outrage over Hannity is the fact that no President should be endorsing a private company.
Here's Trump illegally endorsing Sean Hannity's book. Add this to the stockpile of illegal acts carried out by thi… https://t.co/VAcB0wbbhs— Alamo_on_the_rise 🆘🍑 (@Alamo_on_the_rise 🆘🍑)1596332487.0
From: Trump Headquarters Subject: Sean Hannity Preheader: He signed this book for you. https://t.co/deCZyJ3UNh— Trump Fundraising Emails (@Trump Fundraising Emails)1596414202.0
At this point, it seems pretty clear Sean Hannity is a bit biased when it comes to President Trump.
Trump campaign offered signed copies of Sean Hannity’s book, Live Free or Die, to supporters who make a $75 donatio… https://t.co/Q2ZrowMyLE— Nguyen #fbpe #fbr (@Nguyen #fbpe #fbr)1596444781.0
Donald Trump’s campaign team offered signed copies of Sean Hannity’s upcoming book in exchange for a $75 campaign d… https://t.co/r4pBcqkYFK— 🐾Angie K 💙🔬🧫 (@🐾Angie K 💙🔬🧫)1596447710.0
Sean Hannity is giving a free book if you donate to trump. Tell me again about Fox is not Trumps personal campaign… https://t.co/nc6jiHWMLu— REESUS PATRIOT™💙 (@REESUS PATRIOT™💙)1596534737.0
Meanwhile, with the country in fear over the global pandemic, President Trump spends his time plugging books by his sycophants.
@realDonaldTrump @seanhannity While Americans die, Trump tries to take millions of Americans off of health care and… https://t.co/MU8CYhvZhj— Mrs. Krassenstein (@Mrs. Krassenstein)1596313489.0
Hannity is a journalist? https://t.co/oZjZYWOwMi— markp (@markp)1596464410.0
Journalists' first priority should be to report the truth, not support the people they politically agree with.