During a routine phone call with Fox News on Thursday, President Donald Trump unexpectedly turned his attention to attacking one of the network’s own personalities, stating that “The Five” would benefit from the absence of Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov, who was not present to respond to his remarks.
The president, aged 79, phoned into the program on March 26, 2026, participating in an expansive discussion that covered subjects ranging from the Strait of Hormuz to his support among gay voters. However, the conversation shifted dramatically when co-host Jesse Watters extended an offer.
“Mr. President, the next time you do this on The Five, can we have you on set? Because we really want you to sit next to Jessica. I think you’d be a good influence on her. Can you do that?” Watters asked.
Trump rejected the suggestion. Rather than accepting, he began attacking the program’s single liberal voice, who regularly appears as a co-host but was not present during Thursday’s episode because of a prior commitment.
“I like all of your shows. I’m glad Jessica’s not there. No, actually, I think your show would be better without her. But who am I to say that? I think it would be a lot better,” Trump said during the phone interview.
The president intensified his attack, claiming Tarlov employed “fake numbers” in her discussion of his approval ratings. He particularly objected to her mention of a 42% approval rate—despite a Fox News survey published March 25 actually placing him at 41% approval alongside 59% disapproval, representing his peak disapproval rating throughout both presidential terms.
“I watch Jessica, and I’m not a fan,” Trump told the panel as co-hosts laughed. “She uses fake numbers. She’ll give, ‘Well, he’s only polling 42%.’ That’s not right. Polling very high, actually.”
Trump subsequently inquired about her whereabouts, posing a direct question to Watters: “Tell me, did she not want to do it, or did you kick her off the show?” Watters explained that the network had not dismissed her. She had an existing commitment that prevented her from changing her plans.
Tarlov, a Democratic political strategist who additionally co-hosts the Raging Moderates podcast with Scott Galloway, refused to remain silent about the president’s statements. She fired back on social media on Thursday night with a pointed jab at Trump’s polling claims.
“Was so bummed to miss the show today! But I definitely would’ve said he’s even inflating his numbers to 42%!” she wrote.
Thursday’s public criticism represents the latest installment in Trump’s ongoing conflict with Tarlov. Last July, following her advocacy for gun control after a New York City shooting, the president took to Truth Social to write: “I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!!!” He has previously described her as a “failed TV personality” and “disgrace to television broadcasting” for drawing attention to his unfavorable polling numbers.
The president has an established history of going after female journalists who question him. In December, he described ABC reporter Rachel Scott as “the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place.” He has repeatedly criticized CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, referred to New York Times reporter Katie Rogers as “ugly, both inside and out,” and yelled “Quiet, piggy!” at Bloomberg’s Catherine Lucey.
What distinguished Thursday’s criticism was where it occurred. Instead of attacking Tarlov through social media or during a campaign event, Trump utilized an appearance on her own program to demean her, denying her any chance to reply immediately. The panel—Dana Perino, Kennedy, Greg Gutfeld, Kayleigh McEnany, and Watters—joined in laughing at the president’s statements.
The episode puts Fox News in an uncomfortable situation. The network faces the challenge of maintaining its connection with a sitting president who retains strong support among its primary viewership while also standing behind its own staff members. As of Monday, neither Fox News leadership nor “The Five” producers had made public statements regarding Trump’s comments or suggested any modifications to the show’s roster.
Tarlov, 41, has established herself as a liberal commentator on Fox News after becoming a contributor in 2017. She assumed a co-host role on “The Five” in January 2022, offering Democratic viewpoints to the show’s largely conservative lineup. Her readiness to contest pro-Trump talking points has positioned her as a regular subject of disapproval from the president’s base—and now from the president personally during the show’s broadcast.
The clash occurs as Trump progresses through his second term with Vice President JD Vance. The president has continued his aggressive stance toward media personalities he views as antagonistic, although singling out a host on a network typically supportive of his administration is notable even for him.
