Trump Takes Aim at Fox News Host Jessica Tarlov During Phone Interview
Former President Donald Trump recently launched a verbal attack on Fox News host Jessica Tarlov during a Thursday appearance on "The Five," underscoring his ongoing friction with media figures who question his positions. The incident occurred as Trump phoned into the show, where host Jesse Watters joked about wanting Trump to sit next to Tarlov, the resident Democrat on the panel who was absent that day, suggesting Trump could be "a good influence on her."
In response, Trump expressed disapproval, stating he was not "a fan" of Tarlov and accusing her of using "fake" polling numbers. He disputed her claims about his approval ratings, asserting, "She'll give, 'Well, he's only polling 42%.' That's not right. [I'm] polling very high actually." Trump added, "I'm sure I'd like her, I'm sure she's a lovely person ... she's just not for me," before later saying he was "glad Jessica's not there" and that the show would be "a lot better" without her, eliciting smiles and laughter from the co-hosts.
Polling Data and Tarlov's Response
Contrary to Trump's assertions, recent polling indicates mixed public sentiment toward his performance. Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin reported that 56% of Americans are disappointed with Trump, with only 40% approving, while a Fox News poll released Thursday evening placed his overall job rating at 41%. Tarlov responded to the criticism on social media, posting on X, "Was so bummed to miss the show today! But I definitely would've said he's even inflating his numbers to 42%!"
This is not the first time Trump has targeted Tarlov; last June, he called her a "failed TV personality" and a "disgrace to television broadcasting" on his Truth Social platform, later labeling her a "real loser" after she highlighted unfavorable polling numbers on Fox News. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of Trump and his allies criticizing the press, with Vice President JD Vance recently describing journalists as one of the "least trusted institutions" and accusing some of being "fake" due to perceived anger.
Broader Implications for Media and Democracy
Experts have raised concerns about the implications of such behavior. Heather Hendershot, a historian and professor at Northwestern University, noted last month that the Trump administration's "real problem" with the press stems from a "lack of confidence not in news, but in the White House's authoritarian objectives." She emphasized that in a healthy democracy, journalists serve a "watchdog function" by holding those in power accountable, which can involve revealing cover-ups or injustices.
Trump's criticism extends beyond Tarlov to other female journalists, with documented instances of him insulting figures like New York Times reporter Katie Rogers as "ugly" and CNN White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins as "stupid and nasty." Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor, suggested in January that Trump's frustration when challenged by women is rooted in misogynistic thinking, viewing women as having "less self-worth and less capacity than men."
Kari J. Winter, a professor at the University at Buffalo, added that Trump exhibits "contempt for women" similar to his attitudes toward racial minorities, with his insults fueled by common misogynistic tropes. She warned that if such behavior goes unchallenged, it could lead to women losing rights and respect, potentially increasing violence toward women overall. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and the media, raising questions about the role of journalism in political discourse.
