Christiane Amanpour Departs CNN After 43 Years, Cites Independent Journalism

Christiane Amanpour, CNN's chief international anchor, has announced she will leave the network after a 43-year tenure. Her departure comes amidst a period of change for CNN, which is facing scrutiny following its acquisition by a group aligned with President Donald Trump.

Amanpour, 68, stated her decision came after "many months of thought and a few sleepless nights." She expressed her intention to pursue "interesting new projects" while affirming her continued support for CNN's "history of independent journalism." Her parting advice to remember to "always be truthful, not neutral" has been interpreted by some as a subtle critique of the network's direction under new management.

This move follows that of CNN on-air contributor Kara Swisher, who also announced her departure following the approval of the merger led by David and Larry Ellison. Swisher, whose contract extends to the end of the year, has been vocal in her criticism of the new owners, calling them "terrible media owners."

Amanpour's final broadcast is scheduled for June of the following year. Born in London in 1968, she began her career at CNN in 1983 as a desk assistant. Her rise through the ranks was marked by significant foreign correspondent work, including reporting from Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and covering the Gulf War in 1991. She was promoted to chief international correspondent in 1992.

The new ownership, led by a father-son duo, are significant financial backers and allies of President Donald Trump, having reportedly donated approximately $45 million to a pro-Trump political nonprofit during the 2024 election cycle.

CNN Chairman Mark Thompson acknowledged Amanpour's decision in a memo to colleagues, stating that he had discussed the matter with her for months and accepted that it was the right time for her departure, both personally and professionally.

Amanpour has previously battled cancer. She was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in 2021, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and in October 2025, announced that the cancer had returned. She is reportedly receiving treatment at a London hospital.

Beyond her television work, Amanpour plans to continue her podcast, "X-Files," with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. The couple, who married in Italy in 1998, share a son, Darius John Rubin.