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 Following Poll Indicating Low Economic Approval Ratings"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Fox News and its owner Rupert Murdoch after the network released a poll indicating significant public concern regarding his economic policies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Murdoch for failing to dismiss what he referred to as a 'Trump Hating, Fake Pollster' at Fox News, claiming that the pollster has consistently misrepresented his standing with the American public. His comments were sparked by a Fox News broadcast that discussed the poll results showing a notable skepticism among voters about Trump's tariff policies. During the segment, Fox News correspondents highlighted that many Americans are feeling anxiety over the economic situation, especially small business owners affected by the tariffs, which Trump believes are empowering. This discontent is reflected in other polling data, including a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicating that only 37% of Americans approve of Trump's economic management, marking a record low for his presidency.
The situation underscores a growing disconnect between Trump and key media outlets that have traditionally supported him. While Trump has often praised Fox News in the past, he has also criticized the network and its coverage, particularly regarding its portrayal of his economic policies. Notably, he has previously targeted the Wall Street Journal for its editorial stance, which he perceives as critical of his administration. Trump's relationship with Murdoch has been complex, with past instances of public disdain juxtaposed with moments of apparent camaraderie, such as Murdoch's visits to the White House. As Trump's economic approval ratings continue to decline, his public rebuke of Fox News suggests a deeper frustration with the media landscape that may impact his political strategy moving forward.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on President Donald Trump's recent criticisms of Fox News, particularly in response to their coverage of his declining economic approval ratings. His remarks aim to question the credibility of the polling conducted by Fox News, which he perceives as biased against him. This incident underscores the complicated relationship between Trump and the media, especially when the coverage does not align with his narrative.
Media Relations and Public Image
Trump's outburst against Rupert Murdoch and his media outlets indicates a significant tension between the former president and the network that has historically supported him. By attacking Fox News, Trump seeks to reinforce his narrative of being a victim of unfair media treatment. This strategy can resonate with his base, who may view the media as hostile and biased against their political beliefs.
Public Sentiment on Economic Performance
The article highlights a concerning trend: Trump's economic approval ratings are at an all-time low, with only 37% of Americans expressing approval of his handling of the economy. This is critical as it reflects broader public sentiment regarding economic issues, particularly inflation and trade policies. The mention of a Gallup poll indicating that 53% of Americans believe their economic situation is worsening reinforces the idea that the electorate is increasingly disillusioned with Trump's economic strategies.
Potential Distraction from Other Issues
By focusing on Fox News and his perceived media bias, Trump may be attempting to divert attention from the economic challenges facing the country. This tactic of attacking the messenger rather than addressing the message can be seen as a manipulative approach, aiming to shift blame and maintain his support base's loyalty.
Impact on Political Landscape
This conflict with Fox News may have ramifications for Trump's standing within the Republican Party. As some members of his party begin to express skepticism about his leadership, particularly regarding economic issues, his attacks on the media could either solidify his base or alienate moderates who are concerned about economic stability.
Investor Reactions and Market Implications
The article's content may influence investor perceptions, particularly in sectors sensitive to economic policies and tariffs. If public opinion continues to sour on Trump's economic management, it could lead to volatility in stock markets, especially for companies reliant on trade agreements and export markets. Investors typically react to political stability and economic forecasts, and declining approval ratings may signal increased uncertainty.
Broader Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on domestic issues, the implications of Trump's tariffs and trade policies extend into global markets. If economic dissatisfaction continues to grow, it could affect the U.S.'s position in international trade discussions and relations with other countries.
This analysis reveals a complex interplay of media relations, public perception, and economic realities. The article serves to inform readers of Trump's ongoing struggles in maintaining a positive image amid declining approval ratings, while also engaging in a broader discussion about the potential implications for his political future and the economy as a whole.