Greta Van Susteren is leaving Fox News Channel after 14 years, the network announced Tuesday, September 6. The 62-year-old commentator, who will exit immediately, will be temporarily replaced by senior political analyst Brit Hume.
“We are grateful for Greta’s many contributions over the years and wish her continued success,” Fox News co-presidents Jack Abernethy and Bill Shine said in a statement Tuesday morning.
The network didn’t give any reason for Van Susteren’s abrupt departure, but an anonymous source close to the situation told the Associated Press that it was a “financial disagreement.”
The former criminal defense and civil trial lawyer joined Fox News in 2002 after working as a legal analyst at CNN. Van Susteren was best known on Fox for hosting her nighttime program, On the Record With Greta Van Susteren.
Hume, who will take over On the Record during the 2016 presidential election, released a statement to Fox News about his new role: “I am happy to take on this assignment for the balance of this extraordinary election. My Fox News colleagues have set a high standard for political coverage, which I’ll do my best to uphold. I’m honored to be asked.”
Van Susteren’s departure comes on the same day as the announcement that 21st Century Fox settled former Fox & Friends cohost Gretchen Carlson‘s sexual harassment lawsuit against ex-CEO Roger Ailes. Earlier this year, Van Susteren expressed her support for Ailes amid the suit.
