At just 32 years old, Trey Yingst has become a towering figure in international journalism, serving as Fox News Channel’s chief foreign correspondent. Based in Jerusalem, Yingst has reported from some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, including Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His fearless, empathetic, and unflinching coverage of wars and humanitarian crises has earned him accolades, including the prestigious George Weidenfeld Prize in 2024 and a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2019. But beyond the awards, it’s Yingst’s ability to humanize the horrors of war—capturing moments of resilience, sorrow, and hope—that has left viewers around the world in tears. This 1800–2000-word article explores Yingst’s journey, his recent reports, and the emotional toll of his work as a war correspondent.

A Young Journalist with a Bold Beginning

Born on September 10, 1993, in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area, Trey Yingst grew up with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity about the world. He attended Central Dauphin High School before enrolling at American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism in 2016. Even as a student, Yingst showed an entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding News2Share, a media outlet that covered conflict zones and licensed footage to major news organizations. His early reporting took him to places like Gaza, Ukraine, Rwanda, and Uganda, setting the stage for a career defined by courage and ambition.

Yingst’s boldness was evident early on. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest credentialed journalist covering fighting along the Gaza Strip. His time at News2Share wasn’t without challenges; he was arrested during a demonstration in Ferguson, Missouri, an incident later expunged with assistance from the ACLU. After graduating, Yingst joined One America News Network (OAN) as its Chief White House Correspondent, covering the Trump administration for 16 months. His tough questioning of administration officials, despite OAN’s conservative leanings, earned him recognition from outlets like Poynter for his journalistic integrity.

In August 2018, Yingst joined Fox News as a foreign correspondent, a move that aligned with his passion for international reporting. Based in Jerusalem, he quickly established himself as a fearless journalist, reporting from the heart of conflict zones across the Middle East and beyond. In February 2019, Israeli troops moved Yingst and his crew during a live shot due to grenades being thrown nearby, and he has reported under rocket fire, showcasing his commitment to delivering news from the frontlines.

Rising to Chief Foreign Correspondent

In August 2024, Fox News promoted Yingst to chief foreign correspondent, a testament to his relentless work ethic and impactful reporting. CEO Suzanne Scott praised his “indefatigable work ethic and dedication in multiple war zones,” noting that he has been “the eyes and ears on the ground for our viewers since 2018.” Since joining Fox, Yingst has covered major global events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and the Israel-Hamas war. His exclusive interviews with figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and even Anas Haqqani, a leader of the Haqqani Terror Network, have cemented his reputation as a journalist who can access both sides of a conflict.

Yingst’s coverage is marked by a commitment to objectivity and empathy. “This has nothing to do with politics and nothing to do with picking a side,” he said in a 2022 interview with The U.S. Sun. “It has to do with presenting the facts at hand.” His ability to report fairly, even for a network often associated with conservative viewpoints, has drawn both praise and criticism. Some, like Algemeiner, have accused him of bias in his coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly for highlighting Palestinian suffering, while others commend his efforts to humanize all sides of the story.

Reporting from the Heart of Conflict

Yingst’s recent reports, particularly from the Israel-Hamas war and the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, have showcased his ability to convey the raw emotion of war. On October 7, 2023, Yingst was in Tel Aviv when Hamas launched its devastating attack on Israel, an event now known as “Black Saturday.” He was among the first international journalists to reach southern Israel, witnessing the aftermath of the Kfar Aza massacre and embedding with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza. His book, Black Saturday: An Unfiltered Account of the October 7th Attack on Israel and the War in Gaza, released on October 1, 2024, offers a vivid recounting of these events, blending horror with acts of courage and humanity.

In his book, Yingst describes a particularly harrowing experience during a nighttime embed in Gaza City. Riding in an open-air Humvee, surrounded by darkened buildings and the threat of rocket-propelled grenade fire, he questioned, “How did I get myself into this? What am I doing?” The chaos of the moment—soldiers arguing over directions, the stench of decomposing bodies, and the constant risk of ambush—left a lasting impact. Yet, Yingst’s focus remained on capturing the human toll, from the grief of a kibbutz in mourning to the devastation in Gaza.

His reporting from Gaza has been particularly emotional. Yingst has covered the humanitarian crisis, including civilian casualties and the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes. In a July 2025 report, he highlighted the growing crisis in Gaza, stating, “There’s so much suffering, and I try to capture everything from a very empathetic lens.” His coverage of a Palestinian doctor treating patients in Beersheba’s Soroka Hospital, despite being wounded in a missile strike, moved viewers with its depiction of resilience amid chaos.

In June 2025, Yingst made headlines when he was forced to flee a missile barrage live on air in Tel Aviv. Broadcasting from a hotel balcony, he and his crew had to take cover as Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack. “I have reported here for nearly seven years and never seen such an attack against an Israeli city,” he told Fox News anchors Sandra Smith and John Roberts, as sirens blared and missile trails lit up the sky. The intensity of the moment, captured live, left viewers gripping their seats and underscored the dangers Yingst faces daily.

The Emotional Toll of War Reporting

Yingst’s work is not just physically demanding—it takes a profound emotional toll. In interviews with outlets like Forbes, The Healthy, and Poynter, he has been candid about the mental health challenges of covering war. “I’ve seen mass graves in Bucha, Ukraine, morgues in Syria, and the devastation in southern Israel following the October 7th attacks,” he told Forbes. “It’s hard to forget and easy to have nightmares about.”

In a 2023 post on X, Yingst spoke out about mental health, aiming to set an example for other journalists. “You can be a tough, war-hardened correspondent who goes to therapy and knows how to communicate emotions,” he wrote. He has spent over 185 days in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, witnessing mass graves and food shortages, and his time in Gaza has exposed him to the deaths of civilians, including children. These experiences have left lasting scars, yet Yingst remains committed to his mission. “I try to stay focused on bringing our audience objective, fair, and accurate reporting,” he told Poynter.

To cope, Yingst prioritizes mental and physical health. He practices daily exercise, cold plunges, and meditation, using mantras like “focus, discipline, and momentum” developed with his therapist. During the Israel-Hamas war, he found moments of respite in small acts, like using a skincare mask to relax for 15 minutes after weeks of chaos. “I want people to care about this story,” he told The Healthy. “But I also want people to understand these are difficult things.” His openness about mental health has resonated with viewers, who admire his vulnerability as much as his bravery.

Moments That Bring Viewers to Tears

Yingst’s reporting is defined by its ability to capture fleeting moments of humanity amid war’s brutality. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he reported from a Kyiv metro station where a father chased his young son through the tunnels as air raid sirens wailed. The boy’s laughter, a moment of innocence against the backdrop of war, brought tears to viewers’ eyes. In Gaza, his interviews with Palestinian civilians and released Israeli hostages have highlighted the shared suffering of both sides, prompting emotional responses from audiences. His Black Saturday book includes stories of Israeli soldiers and Palestinian civilians, painting a nuanced picture that resonates deeply.

One particularly moving moment came during his coverage of the Kfar Aza massacre, where he described the devastation of a community torn apart by Hamas’ attack. His calm yet empathetic delivery, coupled with vivid descriptions of loss, left viewers grappling with the scale of the tragedy. Similarly, his reports from Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, where he documented Hamas’ terror tunnels and the impact of airstrikes, balanced military realities with human stories, earning praise for its depth and sensitivity.

Criticism and Controversy

Yingst’s empathetic approach has not been without controversy. In March 2025, posts on X claimed he faced backlash from Israeli journalists and lobbyists for his coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with some calling for Fox News to fire him. Algemeiner criticized his “both-sidism,” arguing that his attempts to be fair allowed bias to seep through, particularly in reports highlighting Palestinian casualties. Yet, Yingst defends his approach, emphasizing the need to report “the harsh realities on the ground” to ensure fairness and objectivity. His supporters argue that his ability to humanize both Israelis and Palestinians sets him apart in a polarized media landscape.

A Legacy in the Making

At 32, Trey Yingst is already a trailblazer in war reporting. His awards, including the RTDNA First Amendment Award in 2025 and the George Weidenfeld Prize, reflect his impact. His book Black Saturday has been lauded for its unflinching look at the Israel-Hamas war, with Amazon reviewers calling it “a good read” that offers “so much detail” about the conflict. Yingst’s social media presence, including his “Experience Humans” photojournalism project, further amplifies his mission to capture the dignity of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Despite the trauma, Yingst remains driven by purpose. “This is my life. This job is everything to me,” he told Forbes. “I like having the ability to shine light in dark places.” His disciplined lifestyle—daily workouts, a minimalist wardrobe of black T-shirts, and a focus on mental health—reflects the intensity he brings to his work. Even in the chaos of war, he finds time for small rituals, like eating Haribo gummy bears or snapping photos with his Fujifilm X-T3 for Instagram.

Trey Yingst, at just 32, has redefined what it means to be a war correspondent. His fearless reporting from Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond has brought the realities of conflict into living rooms worldwide, often leaving viewers in tears with his empathetic storytelling. From witnessing the horrors of Black Saturday to dodging missile barrages in Tel Aviv, Yingst’s courage and commitment to truth have earned him a place among journalism’s greats. Yet, it’s his vulnerability—his openness about the emotional toll of his work—that makes him truly heroic. As he continues to report from the world’s most dangerous places, Yingst’s legacy is one of resilience, humanity, and an unwavering dedication to shining light in the darkest corners of the world.