Anderson Cooper Steps Back From the Spotlight as CNN Faces Declining Ratings and Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil

Anderson Cooper has one foot out the door at CNN, according to sources who tell the National Enquirer that the newsman’s anticipated exit has staffers fearing an all-out firestorm.

“Everyone’s bracing for Anderson to cause an almighty stink when he goes,” an insider shares.

Sources say that as the network’s ratings continue to sink — and chaos reigns behind the scenes — Cooper, 58, is ready to bail on his TV home of 24 years.

“He’s furious and fed up. He used to be CNN’s golden boy, but these days he feels like a ghost in the building,” an insider says.

As the Enquirer reported last year, an insider said Cooper — who pulls in an annual salary of $18 million, according to the New York Post — had an “epic meltdown” upon learning he was bypassed as moderator for CNN’s primetime presidential debate in favor of colleagues Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.

According to the insider, Cooper is also in a snit over conservative Scott Jennings, 47, becoming a ratings magnet for CNN NewsNight.

“Anderson can’t stand it. Scott’s allowed to rant and rave, while the rest of them are muzzled. It’s infuriating for him to see producers building the entire show around Jennings, while he’s pushed to the side,” the insider explains.

“People tune in to see what outrageous thing Scott will say next, and the execs love it. Anderson is appalled that they’re pandering for viewers this way.”

Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper 360° has slipped in the key 25 to 54 age demographic, and according to a source, the host “does not react well to being questioned or held accountable” for dwindling viewership.

Now, Cooper has hired Hollywood power agent Bryan Lourd, which industry regulars see as a sign that he’s ready to jump ship.

“It’s patently clear that he’s looking to land somewhere else — possibly streaming, books, or even politics,” the insider insists. “He considers himself highbrow and above the circus CNN has become.”

The source adds that staffers are now bracing themselves because there’s talk Cooper is contemplating a “scorched-earth exit” with a tell-all about the network.