Lester Holt, First Black Solo Anchor, Leaves NBC Nightly News Amid Trump Critique and Ratings Battle

By Staff

NEW YORK, NY, February 24, 2025, 12 p.m - Lester Holt today confirmed he is stepping down as anchor of “NBC Nightly News” after a historic 10-year tenure as the first Black solo anchor. Known for his steady hand and authoritative voice, Holt has been a trusted presence for millions of Americans, guiding them through both monumental events and everyday stories.

Reflecting on his career, Holt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to anchor two of television's most iconic news programs—”NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline.” “From chasing breaking news as a 20-year-old radio reporter in San Francisco to this incredible journey, what a ride it’s been,” he shared with staff. His time atop the anchor desk has seen “NBC Nightly News” achieve impressive ratings, recently surpassing 7 million viewers—marking its highest audience in five months.

However, the competition is fierce. While NBC has enjoyed a revival in its ratings, with “Nightly News” still standing as a top-rated program, ABC's “World News Tonight,” led by David Muir, continues to dominate overall ratings. According to recent reports, Muir's program attracted 8.304 million viewers, outpacing Holt's 6.926 million. ABC has retained its title as the No. 1 evening newscast for nine consecutive years, but NBC is closing the gap, showing improvements year-over-year in key time slots.

Holt’s tenure hasn’t been without its controversies, particularly during the Trump administration. The former president has been vocal about his disdain for Holt, criticizing his interview style and often labeling NBC News as "fake news."

After moderating the first debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Holt faced criticism from Trump regarding his questioning. Trump characterized some of Holt's questions as "unfair" during a subsequent interview, while also expressing dissatisfaction with the debate topics. Despite these criticisms, Holt corrected Trump on the record about his stance on the Iraq War—a moment that drew both praise and backlash. Many commentators noted that Holt navigated a challenging environment, striving for impartiality amid accusations of bias from Trump's supporters. Interestingly, Holt’s political affiliation was revealed to be that of a registered Republican, countering Trump's claims of partisan bias. He has since said that he is an independent.

As Holt departs, his exit leaves a significant gap at NBC, raising questions about who will step up to fill his esteemed position. The network will need to find an anchor capable of maintaining the show's legacy while competing in an ever-evolving landscape marked by shifting viewer preferences and high-profile scrutiny.

As fans absorb the news of his exit, they’ll undoubtedly feel a sense of loss for a figure who represented not just news but a reassuring presence in troubled times. “There’s so much more to explore in life, and I’m excited about what’s next,” Holt hinted, leaving admirers and colleagues alike wondering what future endeavors await him.