Fox News host Sean Hannity was surprised to find himself on stage Monday night at a campaign rally in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, despite announcing earlier that he was there to cover the event.

Called up on stage by President Donald Trump, Hannity kept his remarks short and sweet, beginning with a shot at the “fake news” media covering the event: “By the way, all those people in the back are fake news.”

Hannity’s impromptu appearance added to what was already an all-star line up, with hometown son Rush Limbaugh on hand to introduce Trump.

“Mr. President, I did an opening monologue today and I had no idea you were going to invite me up here,” Hannity said after the potshot at the press.

“The one thing that has made and defined your presidency more than anything else, promises made, promises kept,” he added. “Four and a half million new American jobs, 4.3 million Americans off food stamps, 4 million Americans out of poverty, and we are not dropping cash loads — cargo planes of cash to Iranians that chant ‘death to America.’ Mr. President, thank you.”

Limbaugh’s trusted producer Bo Snerdley summarized Hannity’s succinct remarks in a tweet.

“Sean Hannity – right to the point! Love YOU Sean!!! Awesome night tonight. Justice Jeanine too,” he tweeted.

Sean Hannity – right to the point! Love YOU Sean!!! Awesome night tonight. Justice Jeanine too. — Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) November 6, 2018

Hannity had just interviewed the president for his show — his appearance at the rally was not broadcast by Fox News.

The Fox News host said later he had “no idea” Trump planned to call him up on stage.

Hannity’s tweet earlier in the day quickly became fodder for the anti-Trump media.

“In spite of reports, I will be doing a live show from Cape Girardeau and interviewing President Trump before the rally. To be clear, I will not be on stage campaigning with the President. I am covering final rally for my show. Something I have done in every election in the past,” the Fox News host tweeted.

In spite of reports, I will be doing a live show from Cape Girardeau and interviewing President Trump before the rally. To be clear, I will not be on stage campaigning with the President. I am covering final rally for my show. Something I have done in every election in the past. — Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) November 5, 2018

The network also said Hannity would be at the rally to broadcast his show and cover the event.

Leading the charge in condemning Hannity was rival CNN, who called him out for the appearance.