President Donald Trump took direct aim at Fox News during a Thursday appearance on the network’s program “The Five,” making clear that even longtime political allies are not immune from his criticism—especially when it comes to polling.
Speaking candidly, Trump said he “hates” Fox’s polling operation, calling into question both its accuracy and credibility. “Honestly, whoever does your polls are terrible,” he said, reacting to the network’s latest survey results. That poll showed the president with a 41 percent approval rating and a 59 percent disapproval rating—numbers that appear to have struck a nerve.
The remarks highlight a recurring tension between Trump and segments of the media landscape that have, at times, been seen as politically aligned with him. Even so, Trump’s willingness to openly challenge those outlets underscores a broader skepticism toward polling that has become increasingly common in political discourse.
Trump also revealed that he has raised the issue directly with Rupert Murdoch, the longtime media executive behind Fox Corp. and News Corp. According to Trump, Murdoch has repeatedly assured him that changes would be made. “Rupert Murdoch has promised me for years he’s going to get rid of your pollster, but he doesn’t do it,” Trump said. “I don’t get it, but your Fox polls are terrible.”
Despite the sharp criticism, Trump’s relationship with Murdoch appears far from straightforward. The two men have experienced both cooperation and conflict, particularly in recent months. One major flashpoint came after The Wall Street Journal—owned by Murdoch’s News Corp.—published a report involving a provocative birthday message that Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Trump has forcefully denied the authenticity of that letter and responded with legal action, filing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal over its publication. In a Truth Social post at the time, he sharply criticized the outlet, calling it a “disgusting and filthy rag” and asserting that Murdoch had been “personally” warned the letter was fake.
The episode added another layer of strain to an already complicated relationship, raising questions about the alignment between political figures and major media organizations—even those historically viewed as sympathetic.
Yet, in a twist that reflects the often unpredictable nature of such alliances, Trump also appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone toward Murdoch in a separate moment. According to a report from New York Post, Trump recently recorded a surprise birthday video message for the media executive. In that video, he described Murdoch as “legendary” and “one of a kind,” praising his influence and stating that he had “changed the world” over the course of his career.
Taken together, the developments illustrate a dynamic that is as fluid as it is revealing. Trump’s criticism of Fox’s polling suggests a frustration with narratives shaped by unfavorable numbers, while his broader relationship with Murdoch shows a mix of personal regard and public disagreement.
At a time when political tensions remain high and global conflicts continue to loom in the background, the exchange also serves as a reminder that internal divisions—whether in politics or media—can shape the tone of national debate. Even among allies, disagreements can surface, and in Trump’s case, they often do so in full public view.
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