Lester Holt bid an emotional farewell to the anchor chair of NBC Nightly News, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that defined a memorable era in broadcast journalism. Holt, 65, who has been a trusted voice through major events like the COVID-19 pandemic, Donald Trump’s political rise, and global conflicts, stepped down to focus on in-depth reporting for Dateline. His final broadcast at 6:30 p.m. Eastern was a poignant moment for viewers, closing a chapter for one of America’s most respected anchors. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to his successor, Tom Llamas, whose first statement as the new anchor ignited a firestorm of controversy across social media and news forums, overshadowing Holt’s departure and raising questions about the future of Nightly News.

Tom Llamas, 45, a seasoned journalist and anchor of Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW, officially took over the Nightly News anchor chair on June 2, 2025. In his inaugural statement, Llamas praised Holt as “a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time,” but then made an unexpected remark: “As we move forward, we’ll tell the stories that matter with a fresh perspective, unafraid to challenge the status quo.” This comment, interpreted by some as a critique of traditional newsroom practices or even Holt’s approach, sparked intense debate online. Posts on X labeled the statement as “bold but divisive,” with users questioning whether Llamas was positioning himself as a disruptor in an already polarized media landscape. One X post read, “Llamas’ ‘status quo’ jab feels like a shot at Holt’s legacy—bad move for day one.”

Holt’s exit was driven by his desire for longform storytelling, as he explained in a Variety interview: “I once spent two nights in prison for a Dateline story… I want to do more of those.” His shift to Dateline, where he has anchored for nearly 15 years, allows him to pursue in-depth investigations, such as stories on the asthma crisis and economic challenges. NBC’s decision to replace Holt with Llamas was influenced by financial factors, with Holt earning $10 million annually compared to Llamas’ reported $2.5 million salary, according to The Ankler and The New York Post. This cost-saving move, while strategic, raised concerns about Llamas’ name recognition compared to Holt, though NBC executives lauded his “journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unyielding integrity.”

Lamas, a Miami native and Loyola University New Orleans graduate, brings over 25 years of experience, including stints at ABC News as weekend anchor for World News Tonight and at NBC as a production assistant and local reporter. Since rejoining NBC in 2021, he has boosted NBC News NOW’s profile, attracting a younger audience through Top Story. His historic role as the first Latino anchor of Nightly News was celebrated by groups like CHCI, with an X post congratulating him on this milestone. However, his debut statement stirred controversy, with some viewers on X accusing him of signaling a shift toward sensationalism. “Is Llamas hinting at turning Nightly News into clickbait?” one user posted, reflecting the skepticism that fueled online debates.

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The backlash was not universal. Supporters on X praised Llamas’ call for a “fresh perspective,” arguing it aligns with the evolving media landscape. “Holt was great, but Llamas could bring new energy to Nightly News,” one post read. Others noted his ratings success, citing a rare victory over ABC’s World News Tonight in the 25-54 demographic when he filled in for Holt in April 2025. Still, the controversy has cast a shadow over his debut, with forums like Reddit’s r/news debating whether Llamas’ statement was a misstep or a deliberate attempt to differentiate himself from Holt’s measured style.

Holt’s departure marks only the fourth anchor change for Nightly News since 1983, following legends like Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams. As Llamas steps into this storied role, his controversial first statement has set a challenging tone, raising questions about how he will balance innovation with the broadcast’s legacy of trust. The public’s reaction, amplified by social media, underscores the high stakes for Llamas as he navigates an era of declining traditional TV viewership and intense scrutiny of journalistic integrity.