One of the few Fox News anchors to criticize President Trump is leaving the network. Shepard Smith, who has worked for Fox News since it launched in 1996, made the announcement during his show Friday afternoon, USA Today reports. Smith said the decision was his. "It’s been an honor and a privilege to report the news each day to our loyal audience in context and with perspective, without fear or favor," he told viewers. Jay Wallace, president of Fox News, praised Smith as "one of the premier newscasters of his generation" and said the network respects his decision to leave. The Friday show was the final one for Smith, who gave no reason for resigning, per the AP. The network said anchors will alternate filling the time slot for now.
Fox viewers weren't always happy with Smith's comments about Trump, per the Washington Post. He's called things the president has said "absolutely crazy" and defended CNN when Trump called it "fake news." Trump has attacked Smith and his ratings, as well. The host also has taken on colleagues: After Tucker Carlson said white supremacy isn't a real problem in this country, Smith told viewers it's "without question a very serious problem." The two hosts clashed again last month when Smith defended the network's chief legal analyst after he was criticized by a guest, per the Hill. Smith called the attack "repugnant." Carlson played the video of the exchange later, saying "Not clear if that was you or me but someone was repugnant." In his account, Carlson said Smith "ironically" referred to the guest as "partisan." (More Shepard Smith stories.)
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