In a blistering post shared on X today, former President Donald J. Trump unleashed a scathing critique of Fox News and one of its contributors, Jessica Tarlov, accusing her of spreading falsehoods about his polling numbers and undermining the network’s credibility. The post, which has already garnered significant attention, reflects Trump’s ongoing efforts to shape public perception of his political standing and media coverage.
Trump’s post specifically targeted Tarlov, a co-host on Fox News’ The Five, calling her a “failed TV personality” whose “voice, manner, and above all else, what she says, are a disgrace to television broadcasting.” He accused Tarlov of falsely claiming he is underperforming in polls, despite what he described as unprecedented support. “I’ve had the best poll numbers that I’ve ever had,” Trump wrote, citing recent surveys such as a Rasmussen Poll at 56% and an Insider Advantage poll at 54%, with others ranging from 56% to 68%.
The former president also touted his recent electoral success, claiming he won a “Landslide” victory against “Sleepy Joe” Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris by securing all seven swing states and the popular vote by millions. “Records broken everywhere!” he declared, emphasizing his dominance in the political arena.
Trump’s post went further, alleging that Tarlov’s presence on The Five is driving down Fox News’ ratings and alienating his MAGA base. “Nobody can stand Tarlov! She lies over and over again, and MAGA is complaining, BIG LEAGUE,” he wrote, urging the network to reconsider her role. He also criticized his allies on the show, Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, for not defending him, though he acknowledged they may not have access to the same poll data.
In a striking claim, Trump asserted that his administration achieved “ZERO illegal aliens” entering the country last month, contrasting this with Biden’s alleged allowance of 62,000 individuals, “many from prisons, mental institutions, and gangs.” This statistic, however, has not been independently verified and appears to exaggerate or misrepresent border data, which remains a contentious issue.
The post underscores Trump’s fraught relationship with Fox News, a network he has both praised and criticized over the years. While Fox has been a key platform for conservative voices, Trump’s attacks suggest he believes it is failing to adequately amplify his narrative. His focus on Tarlov, a liberal commentator often outnumbered by conservative co-hosts, highlights his sensitivity to dissenting voices within conservative media spaces.
Political analysts see this as part of Trump’s broader strategy to maintain a tight grip on his base by framing himself as a victim of biased media, even from outlets traditionally aligned with his ideology. “Trump’s attacks on Tarlov and Fox News are less about policy and more about controlling the narrative,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a media studies professor at Georgetown University. “By calling out specific personalities, he rallies his supporters against perceived enemies, reinforcing his image as a fighter.”
Tarlov has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s remarks, and Fox News has not issued a statement regarding the post. However, the network’s decision to retain Tarlov, known for her sharp debates with conservative co-hosts, suggests it values her role in fostering contentious discussions that draw viewers.
As the 2024 election cycle looms, Trump’s post signals his intent to dominate the political conversation, leveraging X to bypass traditional media filters. Whether his criticisms of Fox News will resonate with his base or alienate moderate viewers remains to be seen. For now, the MAGA movement’s reaction on X indicates strong support for Trump’s call to action, with many users echoing his disdain for Tarlov and questioning Fox’s loyalty.
The incident serves as a reminder of the polarized media landscape, where even conservative networks face scrutiny from their core audience. As Trump continues to wield influence over the Republican Party, his ability to shape public discourse through platforms like X will remain a defining feature of his political strategy.
