President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique against Fox News' election coverage on Tuesday evening, accusing the network of bias and personally challenging one of its commentators. The confrontation unfolded as polls closed across the country during the November 3 midterm elections, where Republicans sought to maintain their congressional majorities. Separately, President Trump issued a warning to Democrats regarding his intent to use constitutional authority should they gain control of Congress.
"I have the ultimate power — it’s called ‘veto’." President Donald Trump, CBS News
President Trump's dissatisfaction with Fox News initially stemmed from its election polling, which presented a challenging outlook for his administration and the Republican Party. The network's voter survey indicated that 87% of respondents were concerned about gasoline prices, with 62% attributing those costs to President Trump's policies. The poll also reported the President's approval rating at 38%. President Trump responded via Truth Social, writing, "The FoxNews Poll, always the worst, is so insulting with the questions they ask." He characterized the questions as "political attacks" and dismissed the survey responses as "BULLS***!"
The President's criticism extended beyond polling data. He soon focused on Jessica Tarlov, a Democratic commentator who frequently appears on Fox News' "The Five." While observing the network's election coverage, President Trump voiced his displeasure with Tarlov's commentary. He announced a temporary cessation of his viewing, stating, "Watching the Pre-Election Results on FoxNews, but I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov’s voice." He further described her as "DUMB AS A ROCK," adding that he would resume watching once she was off the air.
An unexpected development occurred when President Trump sent a direct text message to "The Five" co-host Greg Gutfeld while the program was broadcasting live. Gutfeld subsequently read the President's message on air. In the text, President Trump instructed Gutfeld to challenge Tarlov on her comments concerning gasoline prices, inflation, and his administration's policies regarding Iran. The President asserted that prices were declining and claimed inflation had fallen to 1.7%. Tarlov publicly responded to the President's remarks, stating, "I realize my comments highlighting the highest gas prices on any Election Day aggravated the president, but reality is a tricky thing and he should get better at dealing with it."
The public exchange highlighted a growing tension between President Trump and certain aspects of the network's political coverage. President Trump continued to criticize Fox News, targeting its television ratings and corporate leadership. He claimed the network's viewership had declined by 27%, attributing this to excessive airtime given to Democrats who were critical of his administration. "It’s them, not me," President Trump declared, insisting his own political standing remained strong. The President also questioned political contributions associated with Fox Corporation, naming Democratic lawmakers and political organizations he accused the company of financially supporting, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and several Democratic campaign committees. He suggested these alleged political decisions were contributing to declining viewership. These reported ratings declines and political donation claims were presented as President Trump's assertions.
Meanwhile, Fox News personalities openly discussed the possibility of significant Republican losses. Jesse Watters acknowledged feeling uneasy about the election results, particularly the potential for Democrats to gain control of the Senate. "I don’t feel great," Watters admitted, comparing the experience to anticipating a loss in a competition and expressing concern about potential political damage.
Beyond his critique of Fox News, President Trump also prepared for the possibility of divided government. In a conversation with CBS News, the President warned that he would utilize his constitutional authority if Democrats secured control of Congress. He stated his readiness to exercise "tremendous powers" to prevent legislation he opposed from becoming law. "I have the ultimate power — it’s called ‘veto’," President Trump declared, echoing earlier remarks about becoming "Mr. Veto" if Republicans lost their congressional majorities.
The congressional balance described in reports indicated Democrats needed a net gain of three House seats to take control of the lower chamber. In the Senate, where Republicans held a 53–47 advantage, Democrats required a net gain of four seats to secure a majority. The potential consequences for President Trump's administration extended beyond legislative challenges. Democratic lawmakers have discussed launching investigations into the President, his family, and administration officials if they gain control of congressional committees, potentially creating additional political and legal challenges during the final two years of President Trump’s term. President Trump, however, made it clear he would not automatically cooperate with Democratic legislative priorities. The President's unusually public confrontation with Fox News added another dimension to an already tense election night, as he took aim at a network whose programming frequently features prominent conservative voices.
