Steve Doocy is best known as the cheerful co-host of Fox News’ long-running morning show Fox & Friends. With his ever-present smile, dad jokes, and casual banter with co-hosts, he’s become a familiar face to millions of Americans. But behind the friendly facade lies a more complicated — and at times troubling — figure.

Over the years, Doocy has built a reputation as a loyal mouthpiece for the conservative agenda, echoing Republican talking points with little scrutiny or challenge. Critics argue that his role in shaping political discourse on a national stage has contributed to misinformation and the deepening of political divides.

One of the most controversial aspects of Doocy’s career is his cozy relationship with politicians, particularly former President Donald Trump. Trump famously called Fox & Friends “the most honest morning show,” frequently dialing in live on air for interviews that felt more like friendly chats than journalistic interrogations. Doocy often led these segments, rarely challenging Trump’s statements, even when they were demonstrably false.

Journalists and media watchdogs have pointed out that Doocy’s handling of such interviews erodes the line between journalism and propaganda. “He’s not asking questions — he’s teeing up talking points,” one critic said. For a network that claims to be “fair and balanced,” Doocy’s segments have often come across as partisan cheerleading.

Then there’s the issue of credibility. In multiple instances, Doocy has repeated unverified or misleading claims on air. From questioning the legitimacy of mail-in voting during the 2020 election to downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has helped spread narratives that later proved to be either false or dangerously misleading.

Even within the Fox News ecosystem, Doocy has been the subject of behind-the-scenes tension. Reports have surfaced of friction between him and some of his co-hosts, particularly when live discussions veer off-script. Sources say Doocy’s tendency to follow a strict conservative line sometimes causes unease among producers who want a more balanced tone.

Moreover, Doocy has been criticized for injecting personal opinions into supposedly neutral segments. His casual delivery often masks the fact that he’s pushing political ideologies under the guise of light morning banter. “He hides it in a smile, but what he’s saying often carries a strong political bias,” said a former producer.

In 2018, former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, who previously worked alongside Doocy, described the environment at Fox as “toxic” and hinted at power dynamics that made it difficult for women to speak up. Though Carlson didn’t name Doocy directly in relation to harassment, she did claim he was dismissive and condescending during their time working together — behavior that contributed to the broader culture of inequality at the network.

Doocy’s critics argue that his lasting popularity at Fox News reflects the network’s unwillingness to evolve. While other news organizations have made efforts to fact-check and maintain journalistic standards, Fox & Friends often operates in a bubble of its own, where opinion and fact blur together — and Doocy is a central part of that equation.

To be fair, Steve Doocy is not without defenders. His fans argue that he is simply playing his role within the network’s framework and point out his long-standing professionalism and loyalty. Some see him as an entertainer more than a journalist, arguing that the nature of morning television allows for a looser tone and perspective-driven commentary.

However, in an era of deep political polarization and rampant misinformation, that defense rings hollow to many. With millions of viewers tuning in every morning, the influence of someone like Steve Doocy cannot be underestimated. When he amplifies false claims or gives a platform to conspiracy theories — even subtly — the ripple effect can be massive.

Take, for instance, his approach to the COVID-19 vaccine. While Doocy eventually encouraged viewers to get vaccinated, his earlier segments included interviews with skeptical guests and misleading information about the vaccine’s development. That delay in clear messaging arguably did more harm than good during a critical time.

Similarly, during the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Doocy was slow to accept the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s win, even as courts and electoral bodies affirmed the results. His hesitance, along with similar messaging across Fox News, fed into the false narrative that the election was “stolen,” which ultimately fueled the events of January 6, 2021.

Despite these concerns, Doocy continues to enjoy a prominent position at Fox News. He’s even brought his son, Peter Doocy, into the fold — now a White House correspondent known for his confrontational questions during press briefings. Critics say this father-son duo represents a legacy of partisanship disguised as journalism.

As media consumers become more critical and seek transparency, the need for accountability in figures like Steve Doocy becomes more urgent. While he may never face formal consequences for his actions or omissions, the public deserves to understand the full picture of who he is — not just the persona crafted for morning television.

In the end, Steve Doocy’s charm and charisma may keep him in viewers’ good graces, but the impact of his work goes far beyond lighthearted banter. Whether intentionally or not, he has helped shape a media narrative that often prioritizes ideology over truth — a legacy that, for better or worse, we simply can’t ignore.