The Shocking Truth: 5 Reasons Why Neil Cavuto Left Fox News After 28 Years (Was He Fired?)

The question of "Was Neil Cavuto fired?" has dominated media headlines and social media speculation since the veteran anchor’s sudden departure from Fox News in late 2024. As of December 2025, the definitive answer is a resounding no: Neil Cavuto was not fired by Fox News. Instead, the longtime business anchor chose to leave the network after 28 years of service, concluding his storied career on Thursday, December 19, 2024, following a high-stakes contract negotiation that ultimately fell through. The rumors of termination, however, were fueled by a perfect storm of network cost-cutting, his history of political independence, and significant health challenges.

His exit sent shockwaves through the media industry, prompting a flurry of speculation about the true reasons behind the departure of one of Fox News’s original and most respected figures. While the network and Cavuto maintained a cordial public front, the details that emerged paint a complex picture involving financial decisions, a desire for a new direction, and the anchor’s unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, even when it meant clashing with powerful figures.

Neil Cavuto: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Neil Patrick Cavuto is an American television news anchor, executive, commentator, and business journalist known for his nearly three-decade tenure at Fox News Media. His career is marked by resilience, particularly in the face of significant health battles, and a reputation for providing fair, business-focused commentary.

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• Full Name: Neil Patrick Cavuto
• Date of Birth: September 22, 1958
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 67
• Birthplace: Westbury, New York, U.S.
• Education: St. Bonaventure University (B.A.), American University (M.A.)
• Career Highlights:
  • Anchor and Managing Editor of Business News for Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
  • Host of Your World with Neil Cavuto (Fox News) and Cavuto: Coast to Coast (Fox Business).
  • Served as a White House Fellow during the Reagan administration.
  • First anchor hired by Fox News Channel in 1996.
  • Executive Vice President of Fox Business News.
• Net Worth: Estimated to be $25 million (as of 2024).
• Wife: Mary Fulling
• Departure Date from Fox News: December 19, 2024.

The Definitive Answer: Why Neil Cavuto’s Contract Ended

The persistent rumors suggesting Neil Cavuto was "fired" are largely inaccurate, though they stem from a kernel of truth related to the financial realities of the modern news business. The reality is that Cavuto’s departure was a mutual decision rooted in a failure to agree on the terms of a new contract, which was set against a backdrop of significant cost-cutting measures at Fox News Media.

1. Declining a New Contract Amidst Cost-Cutting

The primary reason for Cavuto’s exit was his decision not to renew his contract. Multiple sources familiar with the negotiation indicated that the network, facing pressure to reduce operational costs, offered Cavuto a new deal that likely included a substantial reduction in salary or a restructuring of his significant responsibilities. As one of the highest-paid anchors, with an estimated salary of $7 million, his contract was a prime target for cost-saving. Cavuto, a veteran journalist with a $25 million net worth, chose to walk away rather than accept a diminished role or a lower compensation package.

2. The "Un-Fox" Factor and Political Independence

Cavuto has always maintained a reputation for being an independent, business-first journalist, often to the chagrin of the network’s more partisan viewers and commentators. This political independence is a major factor that fueled the "fired" speculation. Cavuto frequently used his platform to criticize former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding economic policy and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The friction was public and intense. Trump often lashed out at Cavuto on social media, even labeling his departure as "GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA." This history of political clashes, while a testament to Cavuto’s editorial independence, led many to believe his critical stance finally pushed the network to terminate him, a narrative that is inaccurate but sensational.

3. A Desire for a New Chapter After Decades of Service

After 28 years—a remarkable tenure that began when he was the very first anchor hired by the fledgling Fox News Channel in 1996—Cavuto may have simply been ready for a change. His final words on his show, Your World, emphasized that he was "not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here." This statement strongly suggests a voluntary exit and a desire to pursue other professional endeavors, possibly in a less demanding environment or a different media format, rather than a forced removal.

Neil Cavuto’s Health: The Unspoken Context of His Departure

While not the direct cause of his contract lapse, Neil Cavuto’s long and public history of serious health issues provides crucial context for his decision to step away from the rigors of a daily national broadcast. His resilience in the face of these challenges is legendary in the industry, but the demanding schedule of a managing editor and anchor undoubtedly took a toll.

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Cavuto has battled a litany of life-threatening conditions over the years, which may have influenced his willingness to accept a less-than-ideal new contract or his desire for a lighter workload. His documented health challenges include:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): He was diagnosed with MS in 1997.
• Open Heart Surgery: He underwent a major open heart surgery in 2016.
• Cancer Survivor: Cavuto is a stage 4 cancer survivor.
• COVID-19 Battle: In 2021, he contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to the ICU due to his "very compromised immune system." He later became a vocal proponent of vaccinations, a stance that sometimes put him at odds with other Fox News commentators.

The combination of these serious health battles and the opportunity to step away with a substantial net worth likely made the decision to decline a less favorable contract an easier one. His focus may now shift to his health and a potentially less stressful professional path.

What’s Next for Neil Cavuto? Future Plans and Career Outlook

As of late 2025, the veteran journalist has not announced his next professional move, adhering to his statement that he is "not leaving journalism." Given his reputation, expertise in financial news, and high profile, speculation is rampant about where he might land next. Potential future endeavors could include:

• A Digital-First Platform: Launching a successful business/financial newsletter or podcast, capitalizing on his topical authority and moving away from the constraints of linear television.
• A Rival Network Role: While less likely, a move to a competitor network like CNBC or Bloomberg could be possible if the position offered significant editorial control and a high salary.
• Academia or Consulting: Leveraging his experience as a White House Fellow and his deep knowledge of the economy to teach or consult for major financial institutions.
• Book Writing: Publishing a memoir detailing his career at Fox News, his health struggles, and his unique perspective on American business and politics.

Ultimately, the story of Neil Cavuto’s departure is not a tale of a firing, but a high-profile example of a veteran journalist choosing his own path. He left on his own terms after a long, successful career, prioritizing his personal value and professional integrity over a diminished role at a network facing financial restructuring.