President Trump has unleashed a scathing critique of Fox News following the release of polling data showing mixed reviews of his administration's performance across key policy areas. The president's frustration centers on what he perceives as unfair coverage despite generally favorable ratings from the network's viewers.
According to The Hill, Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday to express his displeasure with Fox News polls showing Americans nearly evenly divided on his handling of immigration and border security issues. The post marked his latest rebuke of a network that has historically been viewed as sympathetic to his policies.
The president's criticism follows polling that revealed 53 percent of Americans approve of his handling of border security, while a majority disapprove of his approach to immigration, foreign policy, the economy, and inflation. Trump's economic ratings appear particularly concerning, with 58 percent disapproving and inflation garnering a 64 percent disapproval rating.
Trump's Thursday morning post on Truth Social left little doubt about his feelings toward the network's polling operation. He characterized Fox News polls as consistently inaccurate and biased against him throughout his political career.
"The Crooked FoxNews Polls got the Election WRONG, I won by much more than they said I would, and have been biased against me for years," the president wrote, adding that the polls are "always wrong and negative."
Despite his harsh criticism of the network's polling division, Trump made a point to distinguish between Fox's pollsters and its on-air talent, noting that his supporters dislike the network's polling "even though their anchors are GREAT." This nuanced criticism highlights the complex relationship between the president and his once-strongest media ally.
The latest conflict represents an ongoing pattern of tension between Trump and major media outlets, including those typically considered friendly to his administration. His relationship with Fox News has shown particular strain during the opening months of his second term.
Trump has repeatedly singled out Rupert Murdoch, founder and former chair of Fox Corp., for criticism regarding coverage across Murdoch's media properties. This includes not only Fox News but also The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, suggesting a broader dissatisfaction with mainstream conservative media coverage.
Despite these tensions, Trump maintains working relationships with many Fox News journalists, regularly granting interviews to the network's personalities. In fact, several former Fox hosts and commentators now hold key positions within his administration, demonstrating the continued interconnectedness between the president and the network.
The polling that triggered Trump's response shows a divided American public on border security and immigration policy, two signature issues of both his campaigns and his presidency. While a slim majority supports his handling of border security specifically, his broader immigration approach receives net negative ratings.
These mixed results come despite the president's continued emphasis on border security as a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. Trump has implemented several executive actions aimed at reducing illegal border crossings since returning to office.
Fox's polling suggests that while Trump's core message on border security resonates with many Americans, his overall approach to immigration policy faces significant opposition. This split in public opinion mirrors the deeply polarized national debate on immigration reform and border enforcement.
Trump's direct confrontation with Fox News underscores his continued willingness to publicly challenge media coverage he views as unfavorable, regardless of the outlet's political orientation. This approach has been a defining characteristic of his communication style throughout both terms.
The president's claim that Fox's polling division is "discredited" and that the network "will never change their pollster" signals his determination to shape the narrative around his administration's performance. By questioning the methodology and motives behind unfavorable polls, Trump attempts to minimize their impact on public perception.
Trump's media strategy continues to involve direct communication with supporters through social media platforms like Truth Social, allowing him to bypass traditional media filters. This approach enables him to present his unfiltered perspective on issues ranging from policy achievements to perceived media bias.
