President Trump took a break from watching midterm election returns to lash out at Fox News liberal commentator Jessica Tarlov, saying her on-air presence drove him away from the network on Tuesday night.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that he had to switch channels because of Tarlov, whom he called "DUMB AS A ROCK," adding, "it's the voice that gets me." He vowed to return only after she is off the air, referring to her as a "LOSER."
The outburst came after Tarlov clashed with conservative host Greg Gutfeld during a segment on "The Five," a popular Fox panel show. Tarlov argued that voters were most concerned about inflation and the rising cost of living heading into the midterms, while Gutfeld countered that voters would reject Democrats over their support for gender-affirming care for minors.
Tarlov, a frequent progressive voice on the network, has often sparred with Gutfeld and fellow host Jesse Watters. This is not the first time she has drawn Trump's ire; he previously criticized her on social media.
Trump's relationship with Fox News has been rocky for years. He has granted interviews to the network and hired several of its personalities for administration roles, but he and his allies have repeatedly accused the outlet, owned by Rupert Murdoch, of insufficient loyalty to his agenda, particularly over its polling and news coverage during his second term.
Earlier in the evening, Watters expressed pessimism about Republican prospects, saying, "I feel like I'm about to play a game that I know I'm going to lose," and warning that losing the Senate would be a painful outcome.
The president's attack comes as his political influence is being tested by a Democratic surge, according to analysts. Some Republicans fear a wipeout if Trump's focus remains on personal grievances rather than voter concerns.
Trump's post-election strategy is already drawing scrutiny, with expectations of legal challenges to any unfavorable results. His administration is also facing potential oversight if Democrats take the House, including scrutiny of his D.C. renovation deals.
As the night unfolded, Trump's comments underscored the fragile truce between him and the network that once served as his preferred platform.
