Why did veteran Fox News host Neil Cavuto leave after almost 30 years? Theories swirl

Veteran Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto is leaving the network after 28 years – and the reason might not be about money

Neil Cavuto has been with the network since 1996 (Image: Getty)

Neil Cavuto shocked viewers by announcing his departure from Fox News after 28 years at the network.

Cavuto, who is worth an estimated $25 million, decided not renew his contract with the network, with some speculating that it may be over a decrease in pay amid reports of CNN and MSNBC talent having their wages cut.

Some people believe the anchor’s open skepticism and criticism of Donald Trump, and the network’s fear of declining viewership, especially now that Trump has been re-elected as President, may be a factor.

The 66-year-old reportedly refused to renew his contract, which he described as a ‘very generous opportunity,’ despite rumors that he was being asked to take less money while Fox News rakes in billions in profits.

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Oliver Darcy, in his newsletter Status, weighed in: “For someone who has been at the channel since its inception in 1996, and who has poured his heart and soul into the company, that probably stung just a bit.”

Neil Cavuto will not be renewing his contract (Image: Getty)

Since Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace left the network, Cavuto was one of the last anchor who openly expressed doubt about Trump and challenged his views, which many have speculated may be the underlying reason for his ousting.

Cavuto has often been a target of the President-Elect’s online vitriol. In fact, after the announcement was made, Trump posted to Truth Social: “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving – Should have happened a long time ago!”

When Cavuto declared Kamala Harris the winner of the presidential debate on his show, Trump posted: “Neil Cavuto, Fox’s Lowest Rated Anchor, is one of the WORST on Television. I actually prefer the losers at CNN and MSDNC.”