'Should have happened a long time ago!' Trump gives parting shot to retiring Fox News host
News that Neil Cavuto, the longtime on-air Fox News personality whose broadcast career spanned nearly three decades, will sign off from the network on Thursday sparked a steady stream of conservative reaction – with even Donald Trump weighing in.
And the president-elect isn’t disappointed by Cavuto’s departure.
“GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving - Should have happened a long time ago!” Trump wrote to his followers on Truth Social Thursday afternoon.
Trump and Cavuto had a history of clashing, with the conservative host not shying away from criticizing Trump during the campaign. An army of MAGA supporters followed Trump’s lead Thursday in bashing Cavuto throughout social media on his last day at Fox.
“Farewell to Trump hater and all-around beta male Neil Cavuto at @Foxnews and the one brown suit he wore on the air for 30 years!” former Newsmax reporter Emerald Robinson told her followers on X. “Let's sum up his broadcast career in two words: NOBODY CARED.”
“Wonderful news!!!” posted Juanita Broaddrick. “Sad sack Cavuto leaving FOX after 28 years. One of the biggest Trump haters on Fox.”
But the news also whipped up praise for the primetime journalist – particularly from others in media.
CNN media analyst Brian Stelter called Cavuto’s retirement the “End of a Fox era.”
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“I enjoy @TeamCavuto so much! I will miss his wit and curiosity and standards. Hate to see him go.” Journalist Michele Tafoya told her X followers.
“Just saw that Neil Cavuto is leaving Fox after 28 years,” Fox News host Howard Kurtz wrote in his own social media post. “He has made enormous contributions, while battling serious health problems. But he is also a first-class human being who is gracious to everyone, whether they are high or low on the totem poll. We will miss him!”
NewsNation anchor Connell McShane said Cavuto was the person he admires and respects “more than anyone else in our crazy business.”
“He has always set a professional example for the rest of us to follow. Plus, he's a TERRIFIC human being, and he's hilarious. All the best, Neil. You're the best,” he wrote.
Fox News wrote a similarly glowing message about the departing journalist in a statement where the network wished him “a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.”
“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. “His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We wish him.”