On Thursday, President Donald Trump once again made headlines with a phone call to the co-hosts of Fox News’ “The Five.” True to form, he didn’t hold back, delivering pointed critiques of both the network’s polling methods and one of its co-hosts, Jessica Tarlov, who was notably absent from the day’s discussion.
The President’s remarks on polling hit hard. He deemed Fox News’ polls as “terrible,” a sentiment he did not shy away from expressing. Trump emphasized his discontent with these polls while contrasting them with CNN’s data, which showed unwavering support from his base. “Our people like it,” he stated, referring to his supporters’ approval as being 100 percent based on a CNN poll, which he dismissed as one of the worst. This was a classic Trump tactic: using opposition data to his advantage while simultaneously criticizing the source.
Such comments are par for the course for Trump, who is known for his fierce loyalty to his supporters and his sharp critiques of media he perceives as unfavorable. The CNN poll—showing total approval from MAGA supporters—provided him with a convenient talking point. However, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to further disparage Fox News’ polling efforts, suggesting that network head Rupert Murdoch’s failure to replace their pollsters leaves him scratching his head. “I don’t get it,” he said, illustrating his frustration that the people behind the polls don’t seem to reflect the loyalty of his base.
The dynamics of Trump’s conversation with “The Five” were even more pronounced when he turned his attention to Tarlov. In a witty jab, he remarked, “I’m glad Jessica’s not there,” prompting laughter from co-hosts Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters. “I think your show would be better without her,” he added, although he humorously qualified it with, “who am I to say that?” This playful dig captures not just Trump’s combative style but also illustrates the ongoing tension between him and liberal viewpoints represented on Fox News.
While he started his commentary by praising Gutfeld’s late-night show, Trump’s attention quickly veered to broader issues. Amidst his light-hearted banter, he pivoted to serious political advice by suggesting Senate Republicans should eliminate the filibuster before Democrats have a chance to do so. This shift underscores his ability to blend humor with a push for strategic political maneuvering.
In this phone call, Trump painted a vivid picture. His affection for his core supporters remains unwavering, and he expertly navigates the media landscape to bolster that connection. By calling out both the polling practices of Fox News and Tarlov’s presence on the show, he reinforced his role as a dominant voice among his followers while playfully engaging with his critics. In the realm of political discourse, Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder of how deeply intertwined entertainment and politics have become, especially within the context of cable news.
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