Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Israel, has drawn attention online after a peculiar social media post regarding journalist Maria Bartiromo’s departure from Fox News.

News broke recently that Bartiromo, a prominent figure in business reporting, was leaving Fox News, prompting Huckabee to express his sadness on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

In his post, Huckabee wrote, “I just saw that @MariaBartiromo has left @FoxBusiness @FoxNews & so sad to hear,” praising her as “the smartest, hardest-working journalist & absolutely a class act.”

However, it was Huckabee’s choice of pronouns—referring to Bartiromo as “him/her”—that sparked a wave of mockery across social media platforms.

Critics quickly zeroed in on the odd phrasing, with many speculating whether it was a simple typing error or a deeper issue regarding gender identity.

Journalist Josh Wingrove, from Bloomberg, took to X to poke fun at the blunder, quipping, “I’m always saying ‘It was an honor to work with him/her.'” His comment reflected a growing confusion over Huckabee’s phrasing.

Andrew Egger of The Bulwark chimed in, questioning, “To work with who now?” hinting at the embarrassment surrounding the ambassador’s faux pas.

Other commentators echoed similar sentiments, jokingly suggesting that Huckabee might have insight into some undisclosed “LGBTQ-related dirt” on Bartiromo, underlining the irony of the administration’s strict stance on gender issues.

In response to the viral attention, Huckabee acknowledged the slip-up. “Thanks for catching the ‘him/her’ line!” he tweeted, attributing the mistake to typing while riding in a bumpy vehicle.

He further clarified his intent, stating, “Aside from my clumsy typo mistake, I still love @MariaBartiromo & will always have total respect for HER. Just HER, no ‘him’ involved!”

Despite his explanation, the incident has become a focal point for discussions around gender language and the political right’s approach to such matters.

Huckabee’s gaffe reflects broader cultural tensions about gender identity, especially in the context of an administration that often emphasizes traditional gender roles.

This incident also underscores how social media can amplify missteps, turning a simple mistake into a national talking point nearly instantaneously.

Maria Bartiromo has been a significant figure in financial journalism, and her departure from Fox raises questions about her future and the network’s direction.

Insiders are speculating that her exit could signify a shift in the network’s programming strategy, potentially paving the way for new voices in business news.

As viewers await further announcements regarding Bartiromo’s plans, Huckabee’s moment of confusion serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding gender discussions in today’s media landscape.

The response to Huckabee’s tweet also reveals the quickness of online reactions, where even a momentary slip can lead to widespread discourse.

While Huckabee may have clarified his statements, the initial mistake and ensuing conversations highlight ongoing debates surrounding gender language in American politics.

As discussions continue, analysts note that such incidents could influence how political figures communicate about gender-related issues in the future.