President Donald Trump has openly expressed his discontent with Fox News over recent months, as his administration grapples with internal challenges and declining approval ratings.
His latest criticism is directed at Howard Kurtz, host of Fox News’ “MediaBuzz,” whom Trump suggested should retire due to what Trump perceives as inadequate defense of his administration.
On May 4, Trump took to Truth Social to voice his dissatisfaction with Kurtz’s coverage after a segment on the dismissal of national security advisor Mike Waltz. “It is time for Howie Kurtz to retire!” Trump stated. He criticized Kurtz for featuring commentators from outlets like CNN who present negative views on his administration and accused Kurtz of offering only a weak defense of his policies.
This public callout coincides with Trump’s declining poll numbers amid accusations of authoritarianism and controversies within his first months back in office. Trump has reacted by criticizing Rupert Murdoch’s conservative media network for broadcasting criticism of his administration.
Kurtz, 71, has hosted “MediaBuzz” since joining Fox News in 2013, after hosting CNN’s “Reliable Sources” for 15 years. He often critiques perceived liberal bias in media coverage of Trump but maintains his position as a media analyst rather than a political supporter.
The timing of Trump’s comments on Kurtz followed a post praising Fox News contributor Joe Concha, who recently authored a book on Trump’s 2024 campaign. Trump commended Concha, noting he “understands, far better than the many other so-called ‘experts,’ the Iconic Moments that contributed to our truly Historic Election.”
The comparison of these posts seems strategic, with Sean Hannity, a Trump ally, publicly endorsing Concha as a potential replacement for Kurtz. “I think he’d have a great TV show here on Fox on media,” Hannity said during an October 2021 segment.
A source at Fox News informed The Independent that “Hannity still wants Concha to replace Howie,” though no coordination between Hannity and Trump regarding the social media posts was confirmed.
Concha, who joined Fox News in 2020, has authored several pro-Trump books and is seen as a potential successor to Kurtz if the latter steps down. Concha’s latest book, released in April 2025, highlights Trump’s 2024 election win as a significant political comeback and critiques media coverage of the campaign.
Trump’s criticism extended beyond Kurtz. On the same day, he criticized Karl Rove, a Fox News contributor and experienced Republican strategist. After Rove appeared on “Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy” and critiqued Trump’s declining approval ratings, Trump dismissed Rove as a “total loser” who “has been wrong about almost everything.”
Rove had advised Trump to focus on economic prosperity and inflation, key voter issues. Trump rejected this advice, stating on Truth Social: “I don’t need to have Karl Rove of Fox News to tell me what to do.”
Trump has previously targeted other figures in Murdoch’s media empire, including Fox News’ pollster, demanding an “investigation for election fraud” after unfavorable polls. During a recent Air Force One trip, he also criticized a Wall Street Journal reporter, calling the paper “rotten” and claiming it has “truly gone to hell.” The Journal, owned by Murdoch’s News Corp, has editorially criticized Trump’s economic policies.
Despite tensions, Fox News remains vital for Trump’s communication with conservative voters. Prime-time hosts like Hannity continue to support Trump’s agenda, even as some daytime programs aim for independent coverage.
Kurtz responded on social media, writing: “I’ve known President Trump for 35 years, and if I hated him he wouldn’t keep giving me interviews.” He added that some people were “not interested in fairness,” emphasizing his role in providing balanced coverage over political advocacy.
Fox News has not officially commented on Trump’s demand for Kurtz’s retirement or the prospect of Concha taking over “MediaBuzz.”
