Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Is Gayle King's CBS Mornings Era Coming to an End?

Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings is more murky than ever, as the host continues to encounter bad ratings and calls of bias. Sources with knowledge of the situation reminded the Daily Mail that King's contract is up in May

BOMBSHELL: Gayle King's Career on Thin Ice as Trump Weighs In

The Tiffany Network is abuzz with speculation and gossip, as beloved host Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings hangs precariously in the balance. With her contract set to expire in May, insiders claim that the network's new owners are considering letting her go - a move that would send shockwaves through the television industry.

But it's not just the suits who are whispering about King's impending departure. Even Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy, taking to his Truth Social platform to declare that King is "over" as a TV personality. "No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!" he snarked in a post that quickly went viral.

'Gayle King's career is over,' Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Monday that reposted an article quoting a source who claimed King was in danger of losing her job. 'No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!' the president added.

But what's behind this sudden loss of faith in King? Sources close to the situation tell The Scholarly Note that her contract renewal is far from certain - and that the network's new owners are leaning towards letting her go. "It will most likely not be renewed by CBS News' new owners at that point," one well-connected insider revealed, hinting that a deal is already in place for King to depart.

But why would the network want to cut ties with its biggest star? The answer lies in the numbers - or rather, the lack thereof. Despite being one of the most recognizable faces on television, King's show has struggled to attract viewers, often dipping below 2 million total viewers. And now, with the network planning to expand CBS Mornings to a third hour (despite its current ratings struggles), it seems that King is no longer seen as an asset worth keeping.

Of course, not everyone is convinced that King's departure is a done deal. "Conversations are still occurring," one source hinted, suggesting that there may be a last-minute attempt to keep her on board. But with the network's new owners - the corporation Skydance - making big changes behind the scenes, it seems unlikely that King will be spared.

Skydance CEO David Ellison - the son of MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison - could pull the plug on King as co-host

So who could replace King if she does leave? Insiders point to Adrianna Diaz, who has been quietly groomed as a potential successor. "They've started to groom her," one staffer revealed, adding that Diaz is seen as a safe and reliable choice for the coveted co-host spot.

But what about King's colleagues? While some have expressed support for their departing friend, others are more divided. "People are talking about it because Gayle is our biggest star, but also I don't think anyone cares that much," one staffer admitted candidly. "I think everyone just wants stability, so from that standpoint, people want her to stay."

It's not just King's colleagues who have expressed concerns about her on-air behavior. The New York Post has reported that King has been pushing progressive issues on-screen - a move that neither viewers nor senior bosses seem to like. And with CBS News accused of giving Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin a free ride in exchange for a space trip, it seems that King's personal brand is now under scrutiny.

The network recently made the decision to cancel the show of one of Trump's most outspoken critics in Stephen Colbert, saying the move was financially driven. Others have claimed otherwise, pointing to its proximity to Paramount's merger with Skydance

But what about the elephant in the room? The fact that Trump's most outspoken critic - Stephen Colbert - had his show canceled just last month has left many wondering if there's more to the story. With Paramount's $8 billion merger with Skydance set to go through, it seems that CBS News is making big changes behind the scenes.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for CBS News declined to address the rumors surrounding King's departure. But one thing is clear: the fate of CBS Mornings - and Gayle King's career - hangs precariously in the balance.

King - seen here during Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin flight last April - inked a deal in early 2024 for two years but has seen her show fall to below 2 million total viewers. CBS is also set to expand CBS Mornings with a third hour, despite it being in last-place