In a striking testament to the increasingly turbulent relationship between President Donald Trump and his favored media outlet, Fox News, Trump recently unleashed a critical commentary aimed at Rupert Murdoch and several of his media ventures. This development comes at a time when Fox News published a poll revealing that a significant number of Americans are expressing concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty—a sentiment largely attributed to the chaotic nature of Trump’s tariff policy.
During a late morning post on his Truth Social platform, Trump directed his ire towards Murdoch, who is the nonagenarian media magnet behind Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Trump claimed that Murdoch has long promised to eliminate what he deemed as a “Trump Hating, Fake Pollster” from Fox News, but has yet to follow through on this commitment. He expressed further displeasure by criticizing the Wall Street Journal, labeling it as “China Loving” and calling it out for its subpar coverage.
The impetus for Trump’s vocal frustration appears to stem from Fox News’ coverage related to its poll, which assessed American sentiment toward him as he nears his 100-day mark in office. Particularly, Fox News did not offer any response to Trump’s allegations following the publication of the poll, a poll that indicated that American voters are increasingly skeptical about the efficacy of Trump’s tariff policies.
On the morning preceding Trump’s post, Rich Edson, a senior national correspondent for Fox News, was featured on the network’s program, “America’s Newsroom.” In his segment, he discussed the results of the poll. He articulated the notion that American voters are displaying skepticism towards Trump’s approach to tariffs, which, according to various commentators, has led to a growing sense of anxiety among small business owners struggling under these policies. Co-hosts Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer echoed similar sentiments during this broadcast segment.
Moreover, the negative sentiment regarding Trump’s economic leadership is reflected in recent polling data. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated a record low approval rating of just 37% for Trump’s handling of the economy, marking a significant decline during his time in office. Additionally, a freshly released Gallup poll highlighted that a striking 53% of Americans feel their economic conditions are worsening. This statistic represents a critical development, as it is the first time since 2001 that more than half of respondents acknowledge a decline in their economic circumstances.
Trump’s Thursday post marked a notable exception in his communications about Fox News during his current term—only the second occasion where he has openly criticized the network on his Truth Social account. Historically, Trump has publicly praised Fox News, significantly utilizing it to promote favorable coverage or his allies’ appearances. Yet, he did not shy away from targeting the network and its employees, having previously insulted senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.
The Wall Street Journal, another one of Murdoch’s properties, has frequently been subject to Trump’s scorn. Trump’s relationships with Murdoch and his media outlets have fluctuated dramatically over the years—a dynamic often laden with mutual disdain. Documentation from a Dominion defamation lawsuit brought to light Murdoch’s contempt for Trump, evidenced by his explosive comment labeling the president as a “f**king idiot.” Nevertheless, Murdoch’s relationship with Trump has exhibited a complicated layer of familiarity; a visit to Trump in the Oval Office earlier this year indicates that he has not entirely distanced himself from the controversial figure.
In conclusion, the increasing tension between Trump and Fox News, particularly pointed at Murdoch, underscores the changing landscape of media and political alliances in America. The polls and public sentiment suggest that Trump’s grip on economic issues is weakening, leading him to lash out at former allies in an attempt to shift blame. Whether this marks a significant turning point in Trump’s relationship with the media remains to be seen, but the ongoing developments highlight the volatile dynamics characteristic of contemporary American politics.
