Politics
NEW: Fox News Guest ‘Kicked Off’ Show After Appearing Intoxicated
A U.S. intelligence expert was cut short in her interview on Fox News after appearing intoxicated on live TV, a debacle for the news network that has since gone viral.
Correspondents asked Rebekah Koffler, a Russian-born author and former CIA operative, to respond to criticism of President Donald Trump’s military parade through Washington, D.C. on Saturday. What should have been a smooth ride became a train wreck when Koffler greeted viewers with a mirthful, toothy grin and began slurring her words.
“I am so excited, uh, Emily and… Lucas Tomlinson!” she declared with curious familiarity in her voice, causing Fox News reporter Lawrence Jones to force out a awkward laugh.
Despite seeing the crash coming, producers let Koffler express her less-than-lucid love for President Trump and the U.S. military for more than a minute.
“Everybody, like, this is incredible! Finally the United States is, uh, is back. I want to thank all of our Army, Navy, and, Air, Force, officers, who have been sacrificing their lives… literally,” she continued, slowly sounding out each word as she struggled to contain her slurs.
Koffler kept trying, despite nearly losing her train of thought at one point.
“Because of the mismanagement of the, uh… But with our new president, Dolland (sic) J. Trump, they are prioritizing America First.”
By then the “yeahs” of agreement from both correspondents began to cut in as producers likely yelled in their ears to end the interview.
“Lawrence Jones, you’re rocking man!” Koffler yelled with a laugh. “Like you guys are incred– like Lucas. I wanna thank–”
“Thank you,” smiled host Emily Compagno as Koffler’s audio cut out. “Thank you so much, Rebekah, and thank you for your service.”
WATCH:
Will Tanner with the American Tribune spotted a damning tweet by Koffler, sent shortly before her interview, which hinted that trouble was bubbling back home.
“Well, @POTUS is apparently encroaching on my airtime! My hit is moved to 8:20 – 8:30 pm depending on how long #Trump takes. I’m honored. Refilling my #champagne glass while waiting for my hit! 
” she wrote in a since-deleted tweet.
Koffler retired from the CIA’s National Clandestine Service, briefing the White House and Pentagon on international security risks during her time in public service, according to an online biography. In addition to serving as a national security expert for Fox, she contributes to the New York Post, Daily Caller, Newsweek, and the Washington Times.
The incident provides fresh fodder for critics of Fox, which is currently seeking to neutralize a dispute among its personalities, past and present, over the Israel-Iran conflict.
For the past week, Fox host Mark Levin has been crossing swords with former colleague Tucker Carlson, accusing him of antisemitism for criticizing his pro-war advocacy while President Donald Trump currently debates whether to directly involve the U.S.
The feud has led to deeply personal remarks about one another, splitting the conservative mediasphere into factions as the MAGA coalition wrestles with the unpopular possibility that America may be headed toward its third Middle East conflict in the 21st century.
