why did tom bergeron leave dancing with the stars

Tom Bergeron left Dancing with the Stars in 2020 after a disagreement with producers, notably over casting Donald Trump’s former press secretary Sean Spicer. Bergeron has said the exit was not pleasant and that clashes behind the scenes contributed to the decision. In late 2025, reports indicate he’s returning to the show as a guest judge for its 20th anniversary, which reframes the event as a reconciliation of sorts rather than a simple departure.