The longtime anchor, 66, was praised by Fox News for bringing a “master class in journalism” to the network, meanwhile Trump — who has been routinely fact-checked by the journalist — posted, “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA!”

Neil Cavuto during a conversation with The Carlyle Group Co-Founder David Rubenstein on “Cavuto Coast To Coast” at Fox Business Network Studios on Sept. 19, 2022. Photo:  Roy Rochlin/Getty

Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto is leaving the network after 28 years of service following a final show on Thursday, Dec 19.

Cavuto, 66, made the announcement on Thursday during his final taping of Your World, an afternoon program he has hosted since Fox News launched in 1996.

“I’ve been doing this for nearly three decades here,” he told viewers on Thursday afternoon. “You know, there are people working with me now who weren’t even born when I started at Fox. That’s how old I am.”

The veteran anchor went on to explain that he had been planning to depart for “some time” but made it clear that he is “not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.”

“I got to do what I love to do, report the news. Not shout the news, not blast the news,” he added. “Not call names, just call balls and strikes, following the news, hold truth to power and fairness to all. That’s it, that’s me.”

Neil Cavuto hosts an episode of ‘Your World’ on Nov. 14, 2019. Steven Ferdman/Getty

Cavuto, who has been known for frequently challenging President-elect Donald Trump, was a network mainstay, hosting three shows across Fox News and sister channel Fox Business Network, totaling 12 hours of programming per week. In addition to anchoring the daily program Your World, he also anchored Cavuto: Coast to Coast and the weekend show Cavuto Live.

Cavuto went on to thank the higher-ups at Fox in his departure note, saying, “I’m forever grateful to my bosses here. They’ve been very good to me these many years and offered a very generous opportunity for me to stay years more.”

According to CNN, a person familiar with the matter said that Cavuto was offered a contract extension but at a lower salary, and he declined.

Trump has frequently clashed with Cavuto for fact-checking him on a wide range of topics throughout the years, most recently during the 2024 presidential election. Trump was quick to celebrate the news of the host’s departure from the network.

“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 on his Truth Social platform.

Neil Cavuto on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast’. Fox News

But not everyone shared the president-elect’s sentiments. Network colleagues on The Five spent a few minutes going around in a circle to send him well wishes.

Dana Perino praised his “big heart” and “trusted voice” during the segment, and Jesse Watters commended his “great work ethic” and “great career.” Jessica Tarlov told viewers that Cavuto is known to write hand-written appreciation notes to first-time guests on his shows.

“Neil Cavuto is not only a good man, he’s really smart, and I learned a lot from listening to him,” co-host Jeanine Pirro added on The Five. “We wish you well. You need a break Neil! And I hope you enjoy every minute.”

Others took to social media to praise Cavuto following his final broadcast.

“I’ve always appreciated you. You call balls and strikes. You’re not a ‘yes-man.’ It’s an honor to be on your show,” The Hill editor-in-chief Bob Cusack said.

“Bravo Neil Cavuto on 3 great decades at Fox News. Fair and balanced for real, Neil never chickened out,” former Fox News anchor Geraldo Rivera added on X. “Even in the Time of Trump, when it would have been easy, he was a truth teller. He angered the ideologues but never backed down.”

Fox News shared a statement with PEOPLE that paid tribute to their longtime anchor, describing his decades-long tenure as “illustrious.”

“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, per USA Today. “His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.”