David Gregory is exiting NBC’s Meet the Press, which has found its new host in politics expert Chuck Todd.

Gregory Leaving 'Meet the Press'

Gregory’s departure from Meet the Press has been rumored for months. On Thursday, Gregory put an end to the speculation by confirming that he was leaving the news program.

I leave NBC as I came – humbled and grateful. I love journalism and serving as moderator of MTP was the highest honor there is . (1 of 2)

— David Gregory (@davidgregory) August 14, 2014

(2 of 2) I have great respect for my colleagues at NBC News and wish them all well. To the viewers, I say thank you.

— David Gregory (@davidgregory) August 14, 2014

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Chuck Todd To Replace Gregory

After Gregory’s confirmation, NBC News president Deborah Turness released an official memo that detailed the current host's departure and his successor Chuck Todd. Turness thanked Gregory for his work at the network, before offering some effusive praise for Todd.

“There is no one with a bigger passion for politics than Chuck,” reads Turness’s statement. “His unique ability to deliver that passion with razor sharp analysis and infectious enthusiasm makes him the perfect next generation moderator of this beloved broadcast. Chuck will ensure that Meet the Press is the beating heart of politics, the place where newsmakers come to make news, where the agenda is set.”

Gregory, in a break with tradition, will not be permitted to say his farewells on the air. The decision by NBC News to withhold that opportunity is thought to be due to Ann Curry’s wave-making exit upon their decision to remove her from her post as a Today co-host.

“A decent guy is getting f—ed,” a high-ranking NBC News insider told the New York Daily News. “There’s no reason for it, for them to allow him to be disparaged and brutalized in the media is reprehensible. It’s disgusting and uncalled for,” the source said.

“They know how bad they’ve f—ed him over and they’re scared to death that he will cause an Ann Curry situation, so they’re not letting him go on the air. It’s ridiculous.”

Todd, who will keep the title as NBC's top politics journalist will no longer serve as the network’s chief White House correspondent, nor will he stay on as host of MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown. Though Gregory is stepping down immediately, Todd will not replace him until Sept. 7. In the interim, Andrea Mitchell is expected to hold down the post.