Trump Calls for Fox News to Fire Host Jessica Tarlov

Former president criticizes Tarlov's commentary and analysis on 'The Five', accusing her of using 'fake numbers'.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:04am

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In a phone interview on 'The Five', former President Donald Trump sharply criticized Fox News host Jessica Tarlov, questioning her absence from the show and accusing her of using 'fake numbers' while discussing his polling. Trump also pushed back against a recent Fox News poll that showed him with a 59% disapproval rating, his highest recorded in that survey.

Why it matters

Trump's comments reflect an ongoing public feud between the former president and Tarlov, who has previously criticized him. The exchange underscores the continued tensions between Trump and Fox News, as he has repeatedly criticized the network's polling in the past.

The details

During the segment, host Jesse Watters invited Trump to appear in person on the panel in the future, suggesting he sit alongside Tarlov. Trump responded by saying, 'Well, I think-- I watch Jessica, and I'm not a fan,' and accused her of using 'fake numbers' in her analysis. Trump then questioned whether Tarlov had chosen not to appear on the March 27 broadcast or if she had been 'kicked off the show'.

  • The interview took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has repeatedly criticized Fox News and its hosts, including Jessica Tarlov.

Jessica Tarlov

A Fox News host who has been the subject of criticism from Donald Trump for her commentary and analysis on 'The Five'.

Jesse Watters

A host on 'The Five' who invited Trump to appear on the show and sit alongside Tarlov.

Rupert Murdoch

The chairman of Fox News' parent company, News Corp, whom Trump claims has promised to replace the network's pollster.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I think-- I watch Jessica, and I'm not a fan. And she uses fake numbers. She'll give, 'Well, he's only polling [at] 42 per cent.' That's not right. Polling very high, actually.”

— Donald Trump

“Mr President, the next time you do this on The Five, can we have you on set? Because we really want you to sit next to Jessica. I think you'd be a good influence on her. Can you do that?”

— Jesse Watters, Host, *The Five*

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Fox News will respond to Trump's calls for Tarlov's dismissal, or if the feud between the former president and the network's host will continue to escalate.

The takeaway

Trump's ongoing criticism of Fox News and its hosts, including Jessica Tarlov, highlights the former president's contentious relationship with the network and the continued tensions between him and media outlets that he perceives as unfavorable to his interests.