Trevor Ault is a prominent American journalist and Emmy-nominated correspondent for ABC News, currently based in New York City. Since joining the network in 2019, he has become a staple of World News Tonight with David Muir, Good Morning America, and ABC News Live, covering major breaking news, natural disasters, and high-profile legal proceedings across the United States.
As of 2026, Trevor Ault stands as one of the most recognizable faces in network field reporting. His career trajectory reflects a traditional but rapid ascent through the ranks of local news into the high-pressure environment of national broadcasting. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to humanize complex news stories, Ault has navigated some of the most challenging assignments of the early 2020s, from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastation of major hurricanes. Understanding his career provides insight into the modern landscape of broadcast journalism, where the lines between traditional television and digital streaming continue to blur.
Early Life, Education, and the Foundation of a Journalist
The professional journey of Trevor Ault began in the American Midwest, a region that has produced many of the nation’s most reliable news anchors and reporters. Ault attended Defiance College in Ohio, where he pursued a degree in Communications and Media Studies. During his time at Defiance, he was not merely a student but an active participant in the campus media ecosystem, serving as a sports information assistant and working with the college’s television station.
His education provided the technical and ethical foundation required for a career in public interest journalism. Defiance College, known for its emphasis on service and community engagement, likely influenced Ault’s reporting style, which often focuses on the human impact of policy and tragedy. By the time he graduated in 2012, Ault had already developed the "multimedia journalist" (MMJ) skillset that has become mandatory in the modern era—the ability to write, shoot, edit, and report his own stories.
Establishing a Reputation: WTOL and the Toledo Market
Before reaching the national stage, Ault spent several years honing his craft in local news markets. His first major professional break came at WTOL-TV in Toledo, Ohio. Working in a mid-sized market like Toledo is a rite of passage for many journalists, offering a diverse array of stories ranging from local politics and crime to community human-interest pieces.
At WTOL, Ault served as an anchor and reporter. It was here that he began to develop his "on-air presence"—the subtle blend of authority, clarity, and empathy that viewers look for in a news source. Reporting in his home state of Ohio allowed him to connect with a community he understood intimately, a factor that often translates to more authentic storytelling. His work in Toledo caught the attention of larger markets, leading him to move westward to Oregon.
Professional Growth in the Pacific Northwest: KOIN 6 News
In 2016, Ault joined KOIN-TV, the CBS affiliate in Portland, Oregon. This move marked a significant step up in market size and complexity. Portland, during Ault’s tenure, was a hotbed for intense social and political activity, including large-scale protests, environmental challenges, and significant urban development issues.
As a reporter and weekend anchor at KOIN 6, Ault was frequently on the front lines of breaking news. He covered the historic wildfires that plagued the region, the intricacies of the state legislature, and local responses to federal policy changes. His time in Portland was characterized by high-volume reporting, where the ability to synthesize information quickly was paramount. It was his performance at KOIN—specifically his ability to remain composed during live, unpredictable breaking news events—that eventually served as his audition for the national networks.
The Transition to ABC News: 2019 to Present
In April 2019, Trevor Ault officially joined ABC News as a multi-platform reporter and correspondent. This transition represented a shift from local interests to stories of national and global significance. Initially based in the network’s New York headquarters, Ault was quickly deployed to cover some of the most significant stories of the era.
Reporting During a Global Crisis
Shortly after his arrival at ABC, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world. Ault was among the vanguard of reporters tasked with explaining the rapidly evolving situation to the public. He reported from hospital zones, vaccination centers, and communities struggling with the economic fallout of the lockdowns. This period solidified his role at the network, as his reports appeared across all ABC News platforms, including the digital-first ABC News Live, which saw a massive surge in viewership during the pandemic.
Natural Disasters and the "Hurricane Hunter" Role
Field correspondents are often judged by their performance during natural disasters, and Ault has repeatedly proven his mettle in this arena. He has been on the ground for numerous Atlantic hurricanes, including the catastrophic Hurricane Ian in 2022. Reporting from the center of a storm requires more than just physical bravery; it requires a deep understanding of meteorological data and the ability to relay safety information to viewers in real-time. Ault’s coverage of these events often highlights the long-term recovery efforts, ensuring that the human cost of the disaster is not forgotten once the storm clears.
Notable Assignments and High-Profile Legal Coverage
A significant portion of a national correspondent's workload involves the "legal beat"—covering trials and investigations that capture the national imagination. Trevor Ault has been a fixture at several landmark proceedings.
- The Alex Murdaugh Trial: Ault provided extensive coverage of the double-murder trial in South Carolina, explaining the complex web of financial crimes and family history to a national audience.
- The Alec Baldwin "Rust" Investigation: Following the tragic shooting on the set of the film Rust, Ault was frequently on-air with updates regarding the legal ramifications and the safety standards of the film industry.
- Social Justice Movements: During the summer of 2020 and subsequent years, Ault reported on the trials and protests following the death of George Floyd, balancing the reporting of civil unrest with the underlying issues of systemic reform.
His ability to translate "legalese" into understandable narrative has made him a valuable asset for World News Tonight, where time is limited and every word must count.
The Technical Art of Field Reporting
To understand Trevor Ault’s success, one must look at the technical requirements of his role. A network correspondent does not merely talk into a microphone; they are the center of a complex logistical operation.
- Live Hits: Ault often performs "live hits" where he must speak for several minutes without a teleprompter, reacting to live images or cues from an anchor in New York.
- Satellite and Cellular Bonding: Reporters today use "backpacks" (like LiveU) that bond cellular signals to transmit high-definition video from remote locations where traditional satellite trucks cannot reach.
- The "Prosh" (Producer-Reporter-Shooter) Workflow: Even at the network level, correspondents like Ault often collaborate closely with a small team to edit "packages" (pre-recorded segments) in hotel rooms or the back of SUVs to meet the strict deadlines of evening news broadcasts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Network | ABC News (Disney-General Entertainment Content) |
| Current Location | New York City, NY |
| Education | Defiance College (Communications) |
| Key Platforms | World News Tonight, GMA, ABC News Live |
| Specialty Areas | Breaking News, Natural Disasters, Legal Reporting |
| Award Recognition | Emmy Nominee |
Personal Life and Public Profile
While Trevor Ault maintains a professional focus on his social media and public appearances, he has shared glimpses of his life outside the newsroom. He is married to Hawley, who also has a background in the news and media industry. This shared understanding of the demanding, 24/7 nature of the news cycle is often cited by industry professionals as a key factor in maintaining a work-life balance in such a high-stress career.
Ault’s public profile is characterized by a lack of "sensationalism." In an era where some journalists become pundits, Ault has remained a traditionalist, focusing on the facts of the story rather than his personal opinion. This has earned him a high degree of trust among ABC’s diverse viewership.
The Evolution of Journalism: ABC News Live
A critical aspect of Trevor Ault's career is his work with ABC News Live, the network's 24/7 streaming news channel. As linear television viewership changes, the "streaming correspondent" role has become increasingly important.
Ault frequently anchors segments on the streaming platform that allow for longer-form storytelling and deeper dives than the two-minute packages on World News Tonight. This format allows him to utilize his skills in long-form interviewing and live news analysis. For many younger viewers who do not have traditional cable, Ault is primarily known through his work on this digital platform, representing the future of the industry.
FAQs About Trevor Ault
Where is Trevor Ault from?
Trevor Ault is originally from Ohio. He attended college in the state and began his career in the Toledo market, which gave him a deep appreciation for Midwestern issues and storytelling.
Has Trevor Ault won any awards?
Yes, Trevor Ault is an Emmy-nominated journalist. His nominations often stem from his work on breaking news teams and his coverage of significant national events, where the collective effort of the newsroom is recognized for excellence in reporting and production.
What was his first job in news?
His first major role in the industry was as a reporter and anchor at WTOL-TV in Toledo, Ohio. Prior to that, he gained experience in campus media and sports information during his undergraduate years at Defiance College.
Is Trevor Ault still with ABC News?
Yes, as of 2026, Trevor Ault remains a key correspondent for ABC News. He continues to travel the country for major stories and contributes regularly to all the network’s flagship programs.
What kind of stories does he usually cover?
While he is a general assignment correspondent—meaning he can cover anything—Ault has developed a reputation for his coverage of major weather events (hurricanes and tornadoes) and high-profile legal trials. He is often the "first responder" for ABC News when a major story breaks in the Eastern or Central United States.
Where did Trevor Ault go to school?
He graduated from Defiance College in Ohio. He has remained involved with his alma mater, occasionally speaking to students about the realities of the modern media landscape and the importance of versatile reporting skills.
Final Recommendation for Aspiring Journalists
For those looking to follow in the footsteps of Trevor Ault, the path is clear: start local, master every technical aspect of the craft, and remain committed to objective storytelling. Ault’s career demonstrates that despite the rise of social media and citizen journalism, there remains a vital role for the professional correspondent who can provide verified, contextualized information during times of crisis.
If you are interested in his work, the best way to follow his reporting is through the ABC News app or by watching World News Tonight. His career serves as a blueprint for how to transition from a small-market reporter to a national voice through consistency, technical proficiency, and a steadfast dedication to the public's right to know.
