President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack against Fox News host Jessica Tarlov on June 20, 2025, accusing the co-host of “The Five” of damaging the network’s reputation and driving away his supporters. The president’s criticism came after Tarlov repeatedly reported unfavorable polling numbers for his administration during recent broadcasts.
In a Truth Social post shared Friday evening, Trump questioned why Fox News allows what he termed a “failed TV personality” to appear on the popular roundtable show. He specifically targeted Tarlov’s reporting style and delivery, claiming her voice and manner were inappropriate for television broadcasting.
The president’s frustration centered on Tarlov’s consistent reporting of polling data showing his declining approval ratings across multiple policy areas. According to recent surveys she cited, Trump’s numbers showed significant deficits on economic issues, foreign policy, tariff handling, and cost-of-living concerns. Marquette and Fox News polling indicated he was down 16 points on the economy, 14 points on foreign policy, 26 points on handling tariffs, and 32 points on cost-of-living issues.
Trump defended his administration’s performance by citing alternative polling sources, including Rasmussen and Insider Advantage, which he claimed showed more favorable results. He emphasized his 2024 electoral victory, noting his success in all seven swing states and his popular vote margin over Vice President Kamala Harris. The president insisted he achieved the best poll numbers of his career, contradicting Tarlov’s reporting.
The president praised other “Five” co-hosts Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld as “terrific,” while suggesting they lacked access to the same polling data that would allow them to defend his record. He argued that Tarlov’s presence on the show was causing MAGA supporters to turn against Fox News entirely.
Trump’s immigration claims featured prominently in his criticism, as he asserted his administration achieved zero illegal border crossings in the previous month compared to what he characterized as 62,000 under former President Joe Biden. He described many of these individuals as coming from prisons, mental institutions, and gangs, though he provided inconsistent numbers in different posts throughout the day.
The attack on Tarlov represents a broader tension between Trump and Fox News, despite the network’s generally supportive coverage of his administration. Tarlov serves as the liberal voice on “The Five,” a role that provides ideological balance to the show’s format. The program has maintained strong ratings during her tenure, becoming one of cable news’s most-watched shows.
Tarlov has previously drawn attention for her critical coverage of Trump administration policies. In May 2025, she broke news about Moody’s credit downgrade during a live broadcast while co-host Jesse Watters praised Trump’s performance. She has also been vocal about various administration controversies, including the accidental sharing of military plans with The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in March 2025.
The Fox News host has faced criticism from Trump supporters on social media, with some calling for her removal from the network. However, network representatives have defended her role, noting her contributions to the show’s success and dynamic. Her presence allows for substantive policy debates that distinguish “The Five” from purely partisan programming.
Trump concluded his criticism by warning that Fox News ratings would decline if they continued featuring Tarlov, claiming viewers found her commentary objectionable. He suggested that “people like Jessica Tarlov make MAGA absolutely hate Fox,” indicating concern about his base’s support for the network that has traditionally been favorable to his political agenda.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges facing news organizations that attempt to provide balanced coverage while maintaining audience loyalty. Fox News has experienced personnel changes recently, with Jeanine Pirro leaving “The Five” in May 2025 after being nominated for a government position, creating shifts in the show’s dynamic.
