Shepard Smith Leaves Fox News, Announces Split On-Air

NEW YORK CITY — Fox News host Shepard Smith announced Friday afternoon he's leaving the network after more than 23 years.

Smith, who held the title of the chief news anchor and managing editor, said he asked Fox News to cut his contract short. After asking him to stay, they agreed.

"It’s been an honor and a privilege to report the news each day to our loyal audience," the "Shepard Smith Reporting" anchor told viewers. "The truth will always matter."

Smith noted a non-compete clause would mean he would not appear on a news station "in the near future."

Fox News president Jay Wallace released a statement complimenting Smith for his work.

"While this day is especially difficult as his former producer, we respect his decision and are deeply grateful for his immense contributions to the entire network,” Wallace reportedly stated.

The sudden departure comes after Smith sparred with colleagues on air over his coverage of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly insulted the Fox host's ratings on Twitter.

"Watching Fake News CNN is better than watching Shepard Smith," Trump once wrote.

In recent months, Smith criticized the president's handling of Hurricane Dorian and the "inexplicable" warning he sent to Alabama, and defended Fox analyst Andrew Napolitano for saying Trump's dealings with the Ukrainian prime minister could be a crime.

In his sign-off Friday, Smith made no mention of politics.

"I've witnessed and reported on the events that shaped our reality," Smith said. "We've written a first draft of history and endeavored to deliver it to you while speaking truth to power without fear or favor in context and with perspective."