Senior national correspondent for NBC News, Tom Llamas has been selected to replace Lester Holt as the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” as announced by the network on March 5, 2025.
The Miami, Florida-born journalist, who is 45 years old, is set to start his new duty in the summer. Notably, he will be the first Latino journalist to host the weeknight edition of this esteemed news program. In addition to this, Llamas will continue to hold his position as the anchor of “Top Story with Tom Llamas” on NBC News NOW.
NBC News’ Executive Vice President of programming, Janelle Rodriguez, expressed her belief that Llamas combines journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unflinching integrity perfectly — qualities that are synonymous with “NBC Nightly News.”
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Llamas mentioned that he is keen on working with top-tier journalists at “Nightly News” and “Top Story.” He also recognized his predecessor, Lester Holt, praising him as a “trusted broadcaster” and “a great man.”
Holt, who has been the anchor of “NBC Nightly News” for ten years, will continue his association with the network full-time at “Dateline NBC.” During a staff meeting, Holt expressed his trust in his successor.
Llamas has a robust background in journalism, starting his career from the ground up. His journey began with an internship at a local Telemundo station, then moved to NBC News as an overnight production assistant. His career elevated through roles at WTVJ in Miami, Florida, and WNBC in New York, before he became a part of ABC News in 2014 as the weekend anchor of “ABC World News Tonight.”
While at ABC, Llamas had a notable confrontation with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign. In a press conference in May 2016, Llamas questioned Trump about discrepancies in reports concerning funds raised for veterans groups during a televised event.
In response, Trump labeled Llamas as “sleazy,” stating: “What I don’t want is, when I raise millions of dollars, have people say – like this sleazy guy right over here from ABC; he’s a sleaze in my book.”
When Llamas inquired why he was being called a sleaze, Trump responded: “You’re a sleaze because you know the facts and you know the facts well.”
Following this altercation, Llamas took to social media, posting: “Trump just called me a ‘sleaze.’ Should be an interesting week.”
ABC came to their reporter’s defense promptly, acknowledging him as one of the most respected and courteous journalists in the country.
In 2021, after a seven-year stint at ABC, Llamas returned to NBC News. Since then, he has been the principal substitute for Holt on “NBC Nightly News” while hosting his streaming show “Top Story.”
Llamas’ dual responsibility as the anchor of both the conventional broadcast and his streaming program reflects the evolving media dynamics. He will host “Nightly News” from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST, and then immediately switch to his streaming show. This setup makes him the first anchor to keep his streaming responsibilities while assuming the network evening news role.
The son of Cuban immigrants, Llamas completed his graduation from Loyola University in New Orleans and started his broadcasting career with the NBC News Specials Unit in 2000. Throughout his career, he has received several Emmy Awards, including accolades for “Best Anchor” and “Best Hard News Story” in 2013, and two Edward R. Murrow awards for his reporting.
“NBC Nightly News” remains a vital part of the television landscape, consistently ranking among the top-five regular programs across all TV, reaching millions of viewers. Llamas’ appointment occurs during a transitional period for network evening newscasts, as CBS News earlier this year replaced Norah O’Donnell with John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois.
Llamas resides in Purchase, New York with his wife Jennifer, whom he wed in 2006, and their three kids.
