President Donald Trump lashed out Monday morning over CNN’s decision to terminate Chris Cuomo’s contract.
Cuomo had been known as the heir apparent to anchor the “New Day” morning show, which is seen as CNN’s primary network morning program.
During his two years as a co-host, he was known for being the network’s attack dog against Trump, but was absent during several high-profile stories such as this month’s United States-North Korea summit and the officer-involved shooting of a Jacksonville officer.
CNN said in a statement to Fox News that they terminated Cuomo’s contract for a number of reasons.
“Chris has been an important member of the CNN family for the past four years, but we have mutually agreed that it is time for him to move on,” the statement read. “New Day will now return to a team of two with Alisyn Camerota leading the show in the coming months.”
Cuomo responded on Twitter, saying “The truth is, my time at CNN was a privilege. It taught me to be patient, respectful and skeptical, principles for which I’ll always be grateful. And I was thankful for my time on New Day. I learned much and loved all of the people I worked with, no matter where I worked. But I don’t plan to stay at CNN to do what’s ‘next.’ So, at the end of June, I’ll leave New Day and CNN for something new and exciting. But please keep warm, it’s still very cold outside.”
And in response to a CNN reporter’s question at a May 19 press conference, the president said, “I think it’s a shame that he’s leaving.”
Cuomo could also be considered a “co-host” on “Morning Joe,” the MSNBC morning show that is also a mainstay of CNN. But Cuomo, although seen as friendly with the panel on “Morning Joe,” has not been on the show in recent months. He now co-hosts a weekend show with former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
Sources close to the network tell Fox News the decision to end Cuomo’s run is a result of what was described as tensions among the staff on New Day, including disagreements over potential presidential campaign plans.
Cuomo was a New York City media executive before joining CNN in 2015 as a correspondent for the network. He later moved to The Current, the old CNN talent spot. He was hired as co-host of “New Day” in January 2016. He also hosts a Sunday show on CNN.
Cuomo will remain at CNN through June 30.
Additionally, Fox News reported Cuomo’s departure is expected to be part of a revamped “New Day” morning program.
“New Day” moved to a new studio at CNN’s New York headquarters in 2016, and Cuomo was tasked with hosting a show alongside fellow morning host Alisyn Camerota.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
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