Fox News Host Howard Kurtz Fired After Controversial Comments About Charlie Kirk—Greg Gutfeld Takes to Twitter

In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, Fox News host Howard Kurtz found himself at the center of controversy and facing a swift exit from the network after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk that ignited outrage across social media. The incident, which unfolded during Kurtz’s MediaBuzz show on September 16, 2025, has sparked widespread backlash, leading to his firing, the cancellation of his show, and plenty of speculation about what this means for the future of Fox News.

For years, Kurtz served as a seasoned media analyst, guiding viewers through political discourse with his brand of thoughtful commentary. But his recent comments about Kirk, coupled with a public spat with former president Donald Trump, appear to have led to his controversial departure from the network.

The Controversial Comments That Sparked Outrage

The drama began when Kurtz, during a panel discussion on MediaBuzz, responded to Washington Examiner editor Sarah Bedford’s claim that “the left has a radicalization problem.” While acknowledging that extremism exists on both sides, Kurtz made a point of addressing some past remarks from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, which were seen as insensitive and controversial.

“I’m glad you mentioned that it’s not unique to one side or one party,” Kurtz said to Bedford. “Charlie Kirk was not a saint. He said two years ago, ‘it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so we can have the Second Amendment.’”

Though Kurtz also condemned those celebrating Kirk’s assassination, his comments about the activist were met with an overwhelming backlash from conservatives. Many took offense at his characterization of Kirk, who had been tragically shot and killed on a Utah college campus, leading to widespread calls for Kurtz’s firing. One social media user tweeted, “I could not be happier this pathetic, weak little man’s show got canceled,” while others echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Kurtz for “attacking” Kirk even in death.

Greg Gutfeld Jabs at His Fox Colleague

As if the situation couldn’t get more tense, Greg Gutfeld, Fox News’ outspoken and often controversial host, chimed in on Twitter with a mocking response to Kurtz’s sudden departure. Gutfeld, known for his sharp humor and irreverence, tweeted, “Maybe we can tune in next week for a clarification… oh wait,” a jab at Kurtz’s inability to follow up with a more complete explanation on-air after his termination.

The tweet sent shockwaves through Fox News’ fanbase, many of whom were already upset over Kurtz’s firing. Gutfeld’s tweet was widely shared, with fans taking sides in the ongoing drama. While some defended Gutfeld’s harsh remark as fitting for the network’s combative tone, others felt it only added to the bitterness and division that had already been stirred up by the firing.

Fox News Shuts Down MediaBuzz After 12 Years

The fallout from Kurtz’s comments was swift and brutal. On September 10, 2025, Fox News announced that MediaBuzz, the show Kurtz had hosted for over a decade, was being canceled. This announcement left viewers stunned, especially since MediaBuzz had been the last remaining show on cable news dedicated to media analysis. Kurtz’s firing and the subsequent cancellation of the show highlighted the network’s increasing focus on aligning its programming with the right-wing values that have come to define its brand.

Although Fox News management has remained silent on the reasons behind Kurtz’s termination, insiders speculate that his strained relationship with Kirk’s supporters, combined with increasing pressure from the Trump camp, played a major role in the decision. In recent months, Trump had publicly criticized Kurtz on social media, suggesting that the media analyst wasn’t doing enough to defend him amid controversies over his administration.

Kurtz’s History with Trump and MediaBuzz’s Demise

In a tweet from May 2025, Trump had demanded that Kurtz “retire,” accusing him of weakly defending him and surrounding himself with “woke” figures. This comment from Trump only added fuel to the fire of Kurtz’s growing discontent within the network. But despite the criticism from Trump, Kurtz continued to remain with Fox News, hosting MediaBuzz until the shocking decision to let him go.

In his final broadcast, Kurtz made it clear that he wasn’t a fan of the increasing polarization in media, stating, “So much television today is about picking a team and denigrating anyone with opposing opinions.” This philosophical stance, however, seemed at odds with the more combative, right-leaning content that Fox News increasingly embraced. It became clear that Kurtz’s approach, which was more measured and less aligned with the network’s current hard-right agenda, may have made him a target for the powers that be.

What’s Next for The Five and Fox News

The cancellation of MediaBuzz marks a pivotal moment in Fox News’ evolution, as the network seems to be making an even more significant push toward right-wing content. With the introduction of The Sunday Briefing, a new show hosted by White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich, Fox News is signaling its desire to focus more on current events and political reporting rather than media criticism.

Meanwhile, the ongoing drama surrounding Kurtz’s firing raises questions about the future direction of the network. While Gutfeld’s mocking remarks might have further entrenched divisions within the network, it also highlights the growing rift between Fox’s old guard and its current star-driven, partisan-focused programming. As the dust settles, Fox News will need to address how it balances ideological content with the potential for backlash, especially as viewers demand transparency and accountability from their favorite network.

The Future of Fox News: A Network at a Crossroads

Fox News, long known for its provocative and often divisive programming, finds itself at a crossroads. With Kurtz’s departure and Gutfeld’s ongoing role as the face of the network’s comedic side, it remains to be seen how the network will reconcile its drive for higher ratings with the need for ideological diversity. What’s clear is that this latest drama has only added fuel to the fire of an ongoing battle over the soul of the network.