Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has intensified his long-running campaign to force Fox News to remove liberal co-host Jessica Tarlov, igniting fresh controversy with a social media attack on April 17, 2026, as he traveled aboard Air Force One. In his post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Tarlov “one of the least attractive and talented people” on television, marking yet another public assault that has escalated since late March.
Tarlov, a veteran Democratic strategist, had recently used her platform on “The Five” to highlight a concerning array of polling data, including a notable approval rating of just 35 percent for the president. She pointed to discontent with tariffs, rising anti-war sentiments regarding U.S. involvement in Iran, and widespread objections to a proposed White House ballroom project. “No Americans wanted the tariffs, they didn’t want the war in Iran, and they don’t want the ballroom,” she asserted.
In direct response, Trump not only criticized Tarlov’s accuracy, asserting she fabricated polling data, but also demanded her removal from the network. He insisted his own support was significantly higher, whimsically asserting that CNN had once recorded his approval at “100 percent.” Trump concluded his post with a command aimed at the Fox leadership: “GET HER OFF THE AIR, SHE IS BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY!”
This feud has roots that extend back to March when Trump called into “The Five” while Tarlov was absent. During that call, he expressed his desire for her removal, claiming the show would thrive without her contributions. Tarlov later jokingly noted, via social media, that had she been present, she would have pointed out Trump’s own inflated approval numbers.
On April 6, Trump escalated the rhetoric further by directly addressing Fox executives in a series of posts. He criticized Tarlov as a “real loser” and expressed dissatisfaction with other Fox personalities, including Shannon Bream, whom he accused of failing to adequately challenge Democratic guests.
By mid-April, Trump’s critiques turned personal, targeting Tarlov’s voice, appearance, and intelligence. He alleged her voice was “grating” and described her contributions as dull and unchallenged on air.
In contrast to Trump’s claims, Tarlov’s cited polling data reflects a narrative consistent with broader public sentiment. Research indicates that Trump’s net approval rating has dipped significantly, currently sitting at -18, with a mere 38 percent of Americans approving of his performance. In stark contrast, 59 percent believe the economy is worsening.
Remaining defiant amid the backlash, Tarlov took to social media to assert the validity of her polling references, countering the president’s narrative with facts about his dwindling popularity. She has continued to engage in on-air debates with her conservative colleagues, reiterating her stance on contentious topics like the U.S. role in Iran.
Trump’s pointed criticisms don’t stop with Tarlov. He has publicly denounced other Fox personalities, including Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson, suggesting their ratings were declining. Kelly, specifically, caught Trump’s ire after she commented critically on the Iran conflict during an interview.
The pattern of Trump’s focus on female journalists has sparked renewed discussions about his approach to media interactions. In the past, he has criticized other female reporters, raising concerns regarding gender dynamics in his public statements.
Despite the pressure from the White House, Fox News executives have stood by Tarlov. The network has not publicly responded to Trump’s demands, and she remains a prominent figure on “The Five,” promoting her upcoming book, “I Disagree.”
As the standoff continues, Tarlov has gained a base of support on social media, with many asserting that Trump’s fixation only strengthens her position on the network. The ongoing back-and-forth indicates no signs of resolution, with Tarlov continuing to stand firm against the president’s remarks while Trump persists in his criticism. The situation has highlighted a broader battle over narratives and representation in the media landscape.