Sean Hannity: Why is this Fox News host trending on Twitter now?

Fox News anchors have reportedly maintained a similar narrative about COVID-19, vaccines, and everything having to do with the worldwide pandemic. Notably, CNN news anchor Jim Acosta asked Dr. Anthony Fauci: “Do you think we could’ve eradicated polio or defeated the measles if you had Fox News night after night warning people about these vaccine issues that are just bunk”, alluding to the conservative news station. 

Fauci responded by asserting that we “probably would still have smallpox and we probably would still have polio in this country” if anti-vax rhetoric spread like it does today. 

While many Fox News anchors have spoken out against the vaccine, one notable host has decided to shift his tone completely. Sean Hannity has seemingly chosen to go against the grain. 

Because of Hannity’s choice to change his perspective on things, he’s been trending on Twitter. Let’s dive into what people are saying about Hannity’s latest declaration. 

Sean Hannity’s background

Sean Hannity’s known as an American talk show host and political commentator who leans towards the conservative angle. He proudly states his opinions without much hesitation. He’s been working for Fox News since 2009, meaning he’s had over two decades with the network. He also hosts his own successful radio show called The Sean Hannity Show where he covers a wide variety of subject matter.

From 1993 to 2020, Hannity was married to Jill Rhodes. Their marriage didn’t last but they share two kids together named Merri Kelly & Sean Patrick Hannity. According to Page Six, a source revealed the former couple was separated for years prior to getting divorced in front of the public. 

For some reason, they chose to keep it quiet until they were ready. Neither Hannity nor Rhodes ever confirmed that story. Regardless of the timeline of their split, it appears they’re completely amicable as they co-parent their two children.

Sean Hannity’s social media presence

Fox News isn’t the only place Sean Hannity can be spotted since he’s very active on social media as well. On Instagram, he has 1.5 million followers and on Twitter he has 5.3 million followers. Speaking his mind is something he’s not shy about doing and his social media profiles reflect that. His followers tend to agree with his viewpoints quite a bit seeing as he gets upwards of 500 to 1000 retweets per post on Twitter.

On Instagram, Hannity regularly pulls in around 3,000 likes per post. Most of what he focuses on is very politically focused which is obviously what his career & life are all about. He often posts snippets of interviews from his show for Instagram audiences to see for themselves.

Sean Hannity’s recent vaccination opinion change

Now that Fox News’s Sean Hannity is feeling differently about the vaccination for COVID-19, he’s speaking up about it . . . Even though many of his fellow news anchors from Fox News don’t necessarily agree. A handful of other Fox hosts are following suit and emulating Hannity’s style by changing their narrative about the COVID-19 vaccine as well. 

On the air, Hannity said, “Just like we’ve been saying, please take COVID seriously. I can’t say it enough. Enough people have died. We don’t need any more death.” He also added, “Take it seriously. You also have a right to medical privacy, and doctor-patient confidentiality is also important. And it absolutely makes sense for many Americans to get vaccinated. I believe in science. I believe in the science of vaccination.” 

His mind sounds like it’s been made up. 

SEAN HANNITY: "Please take Covid seriously. I can't say it enough. Enough people have died. We don't need any more death. Research like crazy. Talk to your doctor… I believe in science. I believe in the science of vaccination." pic.twitter.com/tOi5ebpqSf

— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) July 20, 2021

Twitter’s reaction

Some people believe the response from Fox News’s Sean Hannity is too little too late. Lauren Baratz Logsted tweeted, “Six months after the vaccines became available, last night Sean Hannity told his viewers to get vaccinated and Meghan McCaiin thinks he deserves a cookie. No, he deserves lawsuits, as do all those in politics/the media who spent the last seventeen months sowing misinformation. #TheView.”

Philip Bump tweeted, “Yes, Sean Hannity expressed support for vaccines. But it came in the middle of another of Fox’s now-standard three-hour blocks of near-relentless efforts to cast doubt on the vaccines’ efficacy.”

Regardless of any negative feedback, it’s possible Hannity’s influence will make a major difference in society. Especially the group of people out there who are concerned about the vaccine and feel hesitant to receive it.