Veteran Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto, one of the network’s longest-serving hosts, is departing after almost 30 years on the air. Cavuto, who often became a target of President-elect Donald Trump, shared the news on his afternoon show “Your World” on Thursday. He revealed that his decision to leave had been in the works for a while, but emphasized that he isn’t leaving journalism altogether, just his current role at Fox News.
Cavuto explained that he wanted to continue doing what he loves — reporting the news in a straightforward manner. He made it clear that his approach isn’t about shouting or sensationalizing the news but about providing fair coverage and holding those in power accountable.
Neil Cavuto joined Fox News in 1996, shortly after the network was founded, transitioning from CNBC to the emerging right-wing channel established by Rupert Murdoch. At the time of his departure, Cavuto was hosting about 12 hours of programming each week across both Fox Business and Fox News channels.
Cavuto revealed that he had been offered a generous opportunity to remain at the network for several more years. However, according to someone familiar with the situation, he declined a contract extension that would have come with a reduced salary.
In recent years, Cavuto stood out as one of the few Fox News anchors willing to challenge and fact-check former President Trump. As a business news anchor, he felt it was his duty to separate truth from misinformation, particularly when it came to financial matters that could impact viewers.
Neil Cavuto’s commitment to truth, especially when it conflicted with the beliefs of former President Trump’s supporters, led to a decline in his viewership. Some of Trump’s followers never forgave Cavuto after he cut away from a 2020 press conference by White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who was spreading unproven claims of voter fraud.
Trump, reflecting the sentiments of some Fox viewers, celebrated Cavuto’s exit on Thursday, posting on his Truth Social platform: “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving – Should have happened a long time ago!”
However, many others praised Cavuto, particularly during his final broadcast. Bob Cusack, editor-in-chief of The Hill, expressed appreciation for Cavuto’s fairness, calling him a “balls and strikes” reporter and not a “yes-man.” Former Fox News anchor Geraldo Rivera also paid tribute, noting that Cavuto remained committed to truth even when it was difficult, especially during the Trump era.
Cavuto also took the opportunity to thank Fox News for supporting him through various health challenges, including multiple sclerosis, open-heart surgery, and a serious case of Covid-19 that led to weeks of hospitalization.