Conservative talk show host Charlie Sykes announces retirement

Sykes leader in WI #NeverTrump movement

MADISON, Wis. – Conservative and influential Milwaukee talk radio host Charlie Sykes is leaving the air at the end of the year to focus on writing, including a new book titled “How the Right Lost Its Mind.”

Sykes announced his retirement from the radio during his show Tuesday on WTMJ-AM:

“It has been both a pleasure and honor to work here. It has been an extraordinary privilege to be a part of the momentous changes that have taken place in Wisconsin over the last two decades. This is not a decision that I made either lightly or recently and it was not driven by this year’s political season. I made this decision more than a year ago for both professional and very personal reasons. My father died when he was 63, and I will turn 62 this year, so this year has always been circled on my calendar. Frankly, if I was ever going to make a move, it was now. While I am stepping back from my daily radio duties I intend to remain an active voice. I want to write more, travel more and pursue new opportunities.”

Sykes has been an influential voice in Wisconsin conservative circles for more than two decades, but he drew national attention this year with his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump. 

Sykes embarrassed Trump during a call-in interview before Wisconsin’s primary when Trump admitted not knowing Sykes was a leader in the #NeverTrump movement in Wisconsin. 

Sykes says he knows people will think his retirement is due to the rise of Trump, but he say she made the decision “a long time ago.”