Trump Critic Neil Cavuto Leaves Fox News After 28 Years: 'Not Leaving Journalism. I'm Just Leaving Here'

Mar. 15, 2025

Neil Cavuto during a conversation with The Carlyle Group Co-Founder David Rubenstein on “Cavuto Coast To Coast” at Fox Business Network Studios on Sept. 19, 2022.Photo:Roy Rochlin/Getty

Roy Rochlin/Getty

Fox News anchorNeil Cavutois leaving the network after 28 years of service following a final show on Thursday, Dec 19.

Cavuto, 66,made the announcementon Thursday during his final taping ofYour World, an afternoon program he has hosted since Fox News launched in 1996.

“I’ve been doing this for nearly three decades here,” he told viewers on Thursday afternoon. “You know, there are people working with me now who weren’t even born when I started at Fox. That’s how old I am.”

The veteran anchor went on to explain that he had been planning to depart for “some time” but made it clear that he is “not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.”

“I got to do what I love to do, report the news. Not shout the news, not blast the news,” he added. “Not call names, just call balls and strikes, following the news, hold truth to power and fairness to all. That’s it, that’s me."

Neil Cavuto hosts an episode of ‘Your World’ on Nov. 14, 2019.Steven Ferdman/Getty

Cavuto, who has been known for frequently challenging President-electDonald Trump, was a network mainstay, hosting three shows across Fox News and sister channel Fox Business Network, totaling 12 hours of programming per week. In addition to anchoring the daily programYour World, he also anchoredCavuto: Coast to Coastand the weekend showCavuto Live.

Cavuto went on to thank the higher-ups at Fox in his departure note, saying, “I’m forever grateful to my bosses here. They’ve been very good to me these many years and offered a very generous opportunity for me to stay years more.”

According to CNN, a person familiar with the matter said that Cavuto was offered a contract extension but at a lower salary, and he declined.

Trump hasfrequently clashed with Cavutofor fact-checking him on a wide range of topics throughout the years, most recently during the 2024 presidential election. Trump was quick to celebrate the news of the host’s departure from the network.

Neil Cavuto on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast’.Fox News

But not everyone shared the president-elect’s sentiments. Network colleagues onThe Fivespent a few minutesgoing around in a circleto send him well wishes.

Dana Perinopraised his “big heart” and “trusted voice” during the segment, andJesse Watterscommended his “great work ethic” and “great career.” Jessica Tarlov told viewers that Cavuto is known to write hand-written appreciation notes to first-time guests on his shows.

“Neil Cavuto is not only a good man, he’s really smart, and I learned a lot from listening to him,” co-hostJeanine Pirroadded onThe Five. “We wish you well. You need a break Neil! And I hope you enjoy every minute.”

Others took to social media to praise Cavuto following his final broadcast.

“I’ve always appreciated you. You call balls and strikes. You’re not a ‘yes-man.’ It’s an honor to be on your show,”The Hilleditor-in-chiefBob Cusacksaid.

“Bravo Neil Cavuto on 3 great decades at Fox News. Fair and balanced for real, Neil never chickened out,”former Fox News anchor Geraldo Riveraaddedon X. “Even in the Time of Trump, when it would have been easy, he was a truth teller. He angered the ideologues but never backed down.”

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Fox News shared a statement with PEOPLE that paid tribute to their longtime anchor, describing his decades-long tenure as “illustrious.”

“Neil Cavuto’s illustrious career has been a master class in journalism and we’re extremely proud of his incredible 28-year run with FOX News Media,” the network said in a statement, perUSA Today. “His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.”

source: people.com