Neil Kabuto, a business journalist who hosts the Fox News Channel’s weekday afternoon show and has been with the network since it opened in 1996, will be leaving after Thursday’s show, Fox announced.
Kabuto, a mainstay of the network, also hosts a show on Fox’s sister Fox Business Network, but is not considered one of its stable opinion hosts.
“Neil Kabuto’s illustrious career has been a masterclass in journalism, and we are extremely proud of his remarkable 28 years of accomplishments at Fox News Media,” the station said. “His show defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We bid him a heartfelt farewell and wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Unlike many Fox employees, he hasn’t interviewed President-elect Donald Trump since 2017, sometimes angering Trump. President Trump called Kabuto “one of the worst people on television” after a Fox host said on his show that Trump “decisively lost” a debate with Democrat Kamala Harris. ” he said on social media.
Kabuto’s contract is nearing expiration, and he has decided to leave the company despite being offered an extension, said a person familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the contract.
The withdrawal had nothing to do with Trump’s inauguration for a second term next month, the person said.
Mr. Kabuto, 66, has continued to work despite many health problems over the years. He has multiple sclerosis, underwent heart surgery and experienced a prolonged bout with COVID-19.
There is no immediate word on who will replace Kabuto in the coveted slot on Fox at 4 p.m. ET before the network’s most popular show, “The Five.”
