Trump Targets Fox News Host Over Negative Polling Data
President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Fox News host Jessica Tarlov, directing personal insults at her after she highlighted his declining approval ratings during a television segment. In a fiery Truth Social post written from Air Force One on Thursday evening, Trump labelled Tarlov as "one of the Least Attractive and Talented People on all of Television."
Trump's Truth Social Rant Against Tarlov
The president's tirade came in response to Tarlov's comments on The Five, where she stated that Trump holds a 35 percent approval rating in most polls. Trump aggressively disputed her claims, writing: "Her voice is so grating and terrible, I had to 'turn her off!' Her Democrat soundbites are FAKE. She makes up 'Poll Numbers,' and nobody challenges her, because she is so boring."
Tarlov, a former Democratic Party strategist and pollster, had criticised Trump's popularity during the round-table discussion, noting that "No Americans wanted the tariffs, they didn't want the war in Iran, and they don't want the ballroom."
Polling Data Supports Tarlov's Claims
Recent polling appears to substantiate Tarlov's assertions regarding public sentiment. A The Economist/YouGov poll found that only 38 percent of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, with 56 percent disapproving. The same survey indicated that just 32 percent support the war Trump and Israel waged against Iran, while 55 percent oppose it.
Furthermore, an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll from February revealed that 64 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump's imposition of sweeping tariffs on imported goods, with only 34 percent approving. Additionally, a poll conducted last October by The Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos showed that 56 percent of Americans opposed Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom, with merely 28 percent in support.
Tarlov's Response and Book Promotion
Jessica Tarlov denied that the polling results were fabricated and used the presidential attention to promote her upcoming book, I Disagree, set for release in September. On X, she wrote: "Guess I'll take this opportunity to mention that my numbers are far from fake - Trump really is that unpopular. And you can pre order my book I Disagree as of today!!" alongside an image of Trump's rant.
Broader Pattern of Attacks on Journalists
Trump's comments against Tarlov fit into a broader pattern of the president targeting journalists, particularly women. He has previously described female reporters as "stupid," "incapable," and referred to one as "piggy." In November, Trump told Bloomberg White House correspondent Catherine Lucey, "quiet, piggy," after she inquired about government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Additional Targets in Trump's Truth Social Rant
In his Thursday posts, Trump also attacked former MAGA supporters Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens, claiming without evidence: "I hear Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens are dying fast. Their numbers are terrible. Nobody believes them anymore. They were FAKE MAGA, and now they've been exposed!"
Owens responded on X, calling it a "meltdown" and suggesting "Looks like he may have accidentally heard the truth?" This follows a nearly 500-word Truth Social post last week in which Trump railed against conservative media figures Kelly Carlson, Owens, and Alex Jones for criticising his war with Iran, accusing them of having "Low IQs."
Trump insisted in his Thursday post that he has "among the best Poll Numbers I have ever had, and why shouldn't I, ALL THE COUNTRY DOES IS WIN." However, the available polling data continues to indicate significant public disapproval across multiple policy areas.
