It’s perhaps a bad day for President Donald Trump when even Fox News is suggesting things may not be going so well. The president took aim at Rupert Murdoch and two of his media holdings on Thursday after Fox News published a poll highlighting Americans’ concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty resulting from Trump’s chaotic tariff rollout. In a late morning Truth Social post, the president burned Murdoch, Fox News, and the Wall Street Journal, saying that the nonagenarian media mogul “has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so.” “This ‘pollster’ has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years,” the president wrote. “Also, and while he’s at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!” The president’s tirade appeared to be in response to Fox’s on-air coverage of its Wednesday poll, which looked at American attitudes towards Trump as he approaches 100 days in office. Fox News did not respond to a request for comment. Shortly before the president posted to his social media platform, Fox News senior national correspondent Rich Edson appeared on the network’s 9 am broadcast, “America’s Newsroom,” telling co-hosts Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer that the poll shows American voters are “skeptical” of Trump’s tariff policy. During the same hour, Perino and Hemmer sat down with Harold Ford Jr., a co-host of “The Five,” who said that while Trump may believe the tariffs are empowering, the reality has been “angst and anxiety amongst a lot of small business, and we still don’t have trade deals yet.” It’s not the only major poll finding that Trump’s economic approval rating has cratered. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week found that only 37% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, a record low for either of his terms. A new Gallup poll this week found that a record-high 53% of Americans believe their economic situation is getting worse — making it the first time since 2001 that a majority have felt that way, per Gallup. The president’s Thursday morning post marks only the second time he’s criticized Fox News on Truth Social during his second term — this time elevating his concerns to the network’s owner. Since taking office, Trump has posted about the network more than 50 times, mostly to tout favorable coverage or his allies appearing on-air. Early last month, however, Trump personally attacked Fox’s senior White House correspondent, Jacqui Heinrich. “I thought she was absolutely terrible,” he wrote to his nearly 10 million Truth Social followers after watching her co-host a weekend show. “Not surprisingly, I later found out that she’s a fan of the White House Correspondents Association!” The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, has been a frequent target of Trump’s second-term ire. The president has repeatedly bashed the newspaper and its conservative-leaning editorial board for its critical coverage of his tariff policies. Over the years, Murdoch has fallen in and out of favor with the president. While Fox News has long been one of the president’s preferred news sources, Trump once called Murdoch a “piece of sht” after the mogul’s New York Post derided his 2024 campaign launch. Murdoch, for his part, has also waffled on his views of the president. Records obtained during the Dominion defamation lawsuit showed the media mogul’s contempt for the second-term president, succinctly summarized by Murdoch’s assertion that Trump is a “f*king idiot.” Still, that hasn’t stopped Murdoch from cozying up to Trump. In early February, the media mogul visited Trump in the Oval Office.
Trump goes after Fox News for highlighting his cratering economic approval ratings
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Criticizes Fox News and Murdoch Over Poll Highlighting Low Economic Approval Ratings"
CNN
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Fox News and its owner Rupert Murdoch following the network's release of a poll that indicates a significant decline in his economic approval ratings. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Fox News, labeling its polling as inaccurate and derogatively referring to it as 'Trump Hating' and 'Fake Pollster.' He also took aim at the Wall Street Journal, urging Murdoch to make changes at the publication for its critical coverage of his tariffs, which have contributed to rising inflation concerns among Americans. This response came after Fox News reported on a poll showing that only 37% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, marking a record low for his presidency. During a segment on Fox News, commentators discussed the skepticism surrounding Trump's tariff policies, highlighting the anxiety they have caused among small businesses who are still waiting for favorable trade deals.
This incident is not isolated, as Trump's relationship with Fox News has been complicated over the years. Although he has often praised the network for its favorable coverage, he has also been known to lash out at specific reporters and segments that do not align with his views. The recent poll findings reflect a broader trend of declining economic sentiment among Americans, with a Gallup poll indicating that 53% believe their economic situation is worsening. This marks a significant shift in public perception, as it is the first time since 2001 that a majority of respondents have felt this way. Trump's criticisms of Fox News and Murdoch come at a time when he is facing increasing scrutiny over his economic policies, and they underscore the tensions between the president and the media outlets that have historically supported him.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article examines the reaction of former President Donald Trump to negative polling data released by Fox News, a network he has often aligned with politically. Trump's criticism of Rupert Murdoch and his media outlets reflects his frustration with declining economic approval ratings, particularly in the context of his administration's handling of tariffs and inflation. This situation highlights the tension between Trump and media entities that were once supportive but are now showcasing unfavorable public opinion.
Intent Behind the Article
The article appears to aim at illustrating the growing disconnect between Trump and his base, especially concerning economic issues. By highlighting Trump's reaction to Fox News, it suggests that even traditional allies are starting to waver in their support due to his handling of economic policy. This portrayal could be designed to alert readers to the seriousness of Trump's declining approval ratings, potentially influencing public perception of his leadership.
Public Perception
The narrative is likely intended to foster skepticism about Trump's effectiveness as a leader. By emphasizing the low approval ratings and the concerns voiced by Fox News commentators, the article seeks to create an impression that Trump's policies are not resonating well with the American public. This could lead to a broader discussion about his viability as a candidate for future elections.
Hidden Agendas
It’s plausible that the article aims to divert attention from other issues facing the Biden administration or the broader political landscape. By focusing on Trump's troubles, it may obscure other significant developments, such as economic recovery efforts or legislative achievements by the current administration.
Manipulative Elements
The article contains elements that could be perceived as manipulative, primarily in its framing of Trump's response as a "tirade." This choice of language carries a negative connotation, suggesting irrationality or desperation on Trump’s part. Such editorial choices can influence how readers interpret the information presented.
Accuracy of Information
The article appears to be grounded in factual reporting, citing specific polls and quotes from Trump’s social media posts. However, the overall tone and context provided may affect the reader's interpretation of those facts.
Collective Sentiment
The article likely appeals to individuals who are critical of Trump or concerned about his economic policies. It may resonate more with audiences who value journalistic accountability and transparency over partisan allegiance.
Impact on Markets
The implications of this article on the stock market or economic conditions could be significant. Declining approval ratings for a former president could lead to uncertainty in financial markets, especially in sectors sensitive to economic policies, such as tariffs and trade. Investors may react negatively to the perception that economic conditions are worsening, leading to fluctuations in stock prices.
Global Power Dynamics
While the article primarily focuses on domestic issues, Trump's economic approval ratings can have ripple effects on U.S. foreign policy, particularly in trade relations. A weakened domestic economic situation could influence how allies and adversaries perceive U.S. strength on the global stage.
Potential Use of AI
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, AI models could theoretically assist in generating content or analyzing public sentiment based on poll data. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the framing of economic issues or the selection of quotes to enhance the narrative.
Conclusion
In summary, the article serves to highlight Trump's waning influence and the challenges he faces as public opinion shifts against him. Its reliance on polling data and media responses emphasizes the potential consequences for his political future. The framing and language choices suggest an intent to shape public perception regarding Trump's presidency.