President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack against Fox News on Monday, October 19, accusing the conservative news network of promoting Democrats and their political arguments over Republican candidates. The criticism, delivered via Truth Social, comes just two weeks before the November midterm elections, amidst escalating internal tensions within the Republican Party regarding campaign strategy and performance.
"Fox spends more time defending Dumocrats, and putting on their views versus their Republican opponent, than at any time in the history of Fox News. It’s ridiculous!" President Donald Trump, Truth Social
President Trump’s remarks were made as he prepared to campaign in Wichita for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who faces a closely contested reelection battle in Kansas. He took aim at the network, stating, “Fox spends more time defending Dumocrats, and putting on their views versus their Republican opponent, than at any time in the history of Fox News. It’s ridiculous!” He further accused Fox News of being overly concerned with political correctness and encouraged his supporters to watch his upcoming rally through an alternative conservative broadcaster, Right Side Broadcasting Network.
This latest public confrontation is part of a series of criticisms President Trump has directed at Fox News since late September. On September 30, he questioned the network's frequent featuring of prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and political commentator Jessica Tarlov. Days later, he criticized Fox & Friends for what he deemed insufficient coverage of his rally in Vandalia, Ohio, arguing that the network had devoted more airtime to Democratic and left-wing political figures than to his campaign appearances. The critique intensified on October 6, when President Trump accused Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum of conducting a favorable interview with Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and also attacked Nebraska independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn. "Fox is promoting the Dumocrats, not the Republicans and MAGA,” President Trump wrote at the time. “They have totally lost their way!”
The President's public feud with Fox News coincides with troubling polling numbers for Republicans as they strive to maintain control of Congress. A Fox News survey released last week indicated President Trump's approval rating at 36%, with 64% of voters disapproving of his performance. The same poll showed Democrats holding a nine-point advantage over Republicans in congressional preferences. A separate Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey released Sunday placed President Trump's approval rating at 33%, with 66% disapproving.
This political uncertainty has fueled disagreements among Republican lawmakers, strategists, and campaign officials over responsibility for the party’s struggles. House Republicans have reportedly criticized the Senate’s handling of competitive races, while some senators have privately attributed difficulties among vulnerable candidates to President Trump’s declining approval ratings. New Jersey Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew acknowledged the growing tensions, stating, “If it happens, there will be plenty of blame to go around,” when discussing the possibility of significant electoral losses.
The dispute has also centered on campaign spending. Republicans have reportedly directed nearly $200 million toward supporting Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, whose unexpectedly competitive race against Democrat James Talarico has consumed substantial resources. President Trump has already warned that he would blame Republican figures John Cornyn and Karl Rove if Paxton loses. Meanwhile, retiring Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon has suggested that President Trump’s unfavorable ratings are creating problems for Republican candidates. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has criticized the National Republican Congressional Committee, questioning whether party leaders are prioritizing internal political ambitions over winning elections, according to reports. Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy (R) has also criticized Senate campaign consultants and indicated his intention to spend millions from his own campaign funds supporting competitive races.
Despite these internal disagreements, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to retain its Senate majority. With Election Day fast approaching on November 3, President Trump’s increasingly public feud with Fox News adds another layer to the disagreements surrounding Republican campaign strategy. The President continues to accuse the network of providing excessive attention to Democrats, while members of his own party debate how to address unfavorable polling and increasingly expensive Senate contests. Whether these disputes will ultimately affect Republican voter turnout or campaign strategy remains uncertain as voters prepare to head to the polls.
