Fox News reportedly warned hosts not to name the whistleblower

Fox News is lining up with some of its rivals on this one.

An executive at the network reportedly sent an email to staffers that was obtained by CNN warning hosts not to name the whistleblower whose complaint launched the congressional impeachment inquiry into President Trump's interactions with the Ukrainian government. The email explained the network's decision was based on the fact that Fox News had not "independently confirmed [the] name or identification of the anonymous whistleblower" and also advised production staffers not to "fulfill any video or graphic requests."

While some right-wing publications have run with a report that claims to know the person's identity, Fox has refrained from doing so up to this point, keeping the network in line with other mainstream media outlets.

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So far, the network's hosts have stuck to the plan and kept any potential names under wraps, though host Sean Hannity, a vocal Trump proponent, said Monday that he personally has multiple confirmations of the whistleblower's identity. Still, even he says he'll "play the game for a little bit" and stay quiet, even though he says he's not scared of any possible lawsuits. Read more at CNN. Tim O'Donnell