Chuck Todd Departs NBC News After Two Decades as Trump’s Second Term Begins

Chuck Todd is officially stepping away from NBC News after nearly two decades with the network. The veteran journalist, who previously moderated Meet the Press and most recently served as NBC’s chief political analyst, shared the news in a memo to staff on Friday.

His departure comes at a time of significant transformation in the television news industry, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term. Todd acknowledged these changes in his memo while also hinting at his next professional chapter, though he did not disclose specific details about his future plans.

Throughout his tenure at NBC, Todd became a well-known figure in political journalism, shaping coverage of major elections and policy debates. His exit marks a notable shift for the network as it navigates the evolving media landscape in a politically charged era.

Chuck Todd acknowledged that leaving NBC News after so many years was not an easy decision, emphasizing that there is never an ideal moment to step away from a place that has been his professional home for so long. However, he expressed enthusiasm about the future, revealing that he has several new projects in the works.

According to Todd, these ventures, which once seemed like distant possibilities, are now close to becoming reality. He conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this next phase of his career at such a pivotal time in the media and political landscape. His remarks, shared in a memo obtained by USA TODAY on Friday, suggest that he is eager to take on fresh challenges while reflecting on his long tenure at NBC with appreciation.

Todd went on to share that his popular political podcast, The Chuck Toddcast, will be making the transition with him as he moves on from NBC News. He expressed gratitude to the network for allowing him to take the show with him and teased an upcoming announcement about its new platform, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more details.

Reaffirming his commitment to political journalism, Todd emphasized that he has no plans to step away from reporting and analysis. He intends to continue offering his unique perspective on politics, using historical context and data-driven insights to help audiences understand not just where the country stands today, but also how past events have shaped the present and what they might indicate about the future. His remarks suggest that, despite his departure from NBC, he remains dedicated to informing the public through thoughtful, well-researched political coverage.

Todd also hinted at the possibility of launching a newsletter, a path that has become increasingly popular among television journalists who leave traditional media outlets in favor of independent platforms like Substack. While he did not reveal specific details, his comments suggest he is seriously considering this next step as part of his evolving career.

Reflecting on the state of the media landscape, Todd acknowledged the pressing need for news organizations to regain the trust of their audiences. He argued that the best way to achieve this is through a grassroots approach—rebuilding credibility from the ground up.

Describing himself as an entrepreneur at heart, Todd recalled his early years in journalism, when he worked for the company that pioneered the political newsletter model, which now dominates modern media. He believes this is the perfect moment to return to that format, especially given the deep political divisions in the country as Donald Trump begins his second term as president. His remarks suggest he sees independent journalism as a valuable tool for fostering informed discussions in an era of increasing polarization.

In his statement, Todd spoke openly about the challenges facing mainstream media, particularly when it comes to rebuilding public trust. He stressed that national news outlets cannot restore their credibility without strong partnerships with local media organizations, which play a crucial role in connecting with communities on a more personal level.

Todd also criticized the reliance on algorithms to shape news distribution, arguing that this approach is not an effective way to provide meaningful journalism. Instead of chasing engagement metrics, he believes news organizations should focus on delivering well-reported, substantive content that resonates with audiences.

He pointed out that people today are seeking a sense of community—something that neither national media giants nor major social media platforms can provide as effectively as local news outlets. By emphasizing the importance of local journalism, Todd underscored the need for a more grounded, community-driven approach to restoring faith in the press.

In his message to colleagues, Todd made it clear that the media must take a firm stance against propaganda and disinformation. He emphasized that journalistic integrity requires drawing a clear line between legitimate reporting and those who deliberately spread falsehoods to manipulate public perception.

Reflecting on his departure, Todd admitted that he is deeply concerned about the current state of affairs, both in politics and the media landscape. However, he takes comfort in knowing that he and his colleagues at NBC have worked tirelessly to uphold rigorous journalistic standards—standards he hopes will continue to guide the industry in the years ahead.

While he warned against giving a platform to propagandists, Todd also cautioned against the dangers of willful ignorance. He stressed that ignoring uncomfortable truths or avoiding difficult conversations only leads to missed opportunities to report on the most important and impactful stories. His remarks serve as both a warning and a call to action for journalists to remain vigilant, truthful, and engaged, even in the face of growing challenges.

Todd emphasized that true political journalism is not about personal branding or self-promotion but about the core responsibility of reporting events accurately and providing context for the public to understand their significance. He stressed that a journalist’s role is to present the facts objectively, allowing audiences to form their own opinions without fear of judgment for reaching different conclusions.

He also cautioned against those who enter the profession seeking popularity or using their platform solely for activism. According to Todd, journalism is not about personal agendas or chasing public approval—it is about a commitment to truth, accountability, and providing the public with the information they need to make informed decisions. Anyone who approaches the field with a desire for fame or as a means to push an ideological cause, he argued, is fundamentally misunderstanding the purpose of the job.

In a statement to USA TODAY on Friday, representatives from NBC News expressed their appreciation for Chuck Todd’s significant contributions to the network’s political coverage over the past two decades. They highlighted his dedication to journalism and his instrumental role in shaping Meet the Press, helping to maintain its status as one of the most respected political programs in television history.

NBC News acknowledged Todd’s deep commitment to the show’s legacy and his broader impact on the network’s political reporting. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, they extended their best wishes for his future endeavors, recognizing the mark he has left on political journalism.

In 2007, Chuck Todd was personally recruited by the late Tim Russert, who was serving as NBC’s Washington bureau chief and moderator of Meet the Press at the time. Recognizing Todd’s expertise in political analysis, Russert brought him on board as NBC News’ political director, a role that would position him at the center of the network’s election coverage and political reporting.

Years later, in 2014, Todd took on one of the most prestigious roles in broadcast journalism when he became the moderator of Meet the Press, NBC’s flagship Sunday political affairs program. During his tenure, he made a significant impact, frequently making headlines with high-profile interviews, in-depth political analysis, and hard-hitting questions that helped shape the national conversation on politics and policy. His leadership on the program solidified his reputation as a key voice in American political journalism.

In September 2023, Chuck Todd stepped down as the moderator of Meet the Press, with NBC News journalist Kristen Welker taking over the prestigious role. Reflecting on his time at the helm of the iconic program, Todd described the past nine years as an incredible honor, noting that serving as the moderator of the longest-running show on television had been the highlight of his career.

As he prepared to hand over the responsibility to Welker, Todd expressed his confidence in her abilities, calling it a privilege to pass the baton to someone who, in his view, “needs no introduction.” His remarks highlighted his respect for Welker’s experience and her readiness to take on the important task of guiding the show into its next chapter.

Chuck Todd’s departure from NBC News comes at a time of significant upheaval within the American television news industry, as several high-profile anchors are stepping away from their roles. Todd’s exit is part of a broader trend of well-known television personalities leaving their positions. For instance, Hoda Kotb bid farewell to Today on January 10, and Norah O’Donnell announced her departure from CBS Evening News on January 23.

Adding to this wave of changes, CNN’s Jim Acosta also revealed on Tuesday that he would be leaving the network after careful consideration of an alternative time slot that had been offered to him. This series of high-profile departures signals a period of transition and uncertainty within the TV news landscape, as prominent figures move on to new opportunities or retire from the industry altogether.

Last week, CNN underwent a significant shake-up of its programming lineup in response to ongoing struggles, with several prominent hosts, including Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer, being reassigned to different timeslots. This shift is part of a broader strategy as the network works to restructure its operations, which also includes cutting approximately 200 TV positions, representing about 6% of its workforce, according to CNN’s own reporting.

In addition to these programming changes, CNN had previously removed Jim Acosta from its regular lineup, leaving him without a show. This restructuring reflects the network’s efforts to adapt to shifting viewer preferences and internal challenges, marking a pivotal moment in CNN’s evolution as it adjusts to the changing media landscape.

In the past year, CNN experienced a series of notable departures, with anchors Alyson Camerota and Poppy Harlow leaving the network. Additionally, Chris Wallace, another high-profile figure, also announced his decision to exit CNN. These moves contributed to a growing sense of change within the network as its lineup continues to evolve.

Beyond CNN, the broader landscape of Spanish-language media also saw significant shifts, as Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, a longstanding and prominent figure in U.S. Spanish-language broadcasting, decided to leave the network shortly after the 2024 election. These departures signal a time of transition for several major news organizations, as prominent personalities make significant career changes or step away from their roles altogether.