President Donald Trump engaged in a pointed critique of Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov during a telephone appearance on the network's popular program, "The Five," on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Speaking directly to the panel, President Trump singled out Tarlov, a Democratic political strategist and rotating co-host, who was not present for that day's broadcast. His remarks ignited a public exchange that swiftly extended to social media, highlighting ongoing tensions between the President and certain media personalities.
The President initiated the commentary by expressing general approval for the show before specifically addressing Tarlov's absence. "I like all of your shows," President Trump stated to the hosts. He then added, "I’m glad Jessica’s not there. No, actually, I think your show would be better without her. But who am I to say that? I think it would be a lot better." This direct assessment immediately set the tone for the remainder of his appearance regarding Tarlov.
Host Jesse Watters, seizing on the moment, extended an invitation to President Trump for a future in-person appearance. "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," Watters asked. He continued, "I think you’d be a good influence on her. Can you do that?" President Trump responded without hesitation, elaborating on the basis of his criticism, which centered on Tarlov's on-air use of polling data.
"I watch Jessica, and I’m not a fan. And she uses fake numbers. She’ll give, ‘Well, he’s only polling 42%.’ That’s not right… Actually. Uh, you know, polls are just like, I hate people that use fake polls because polls are just like bad journalists. You know, bad journalists, they write fake stories. Well, fake polls do damage also, but that’s the thing. I’m sure she’s a lovely person," President Trump asserted.
These remarks were made on the same day Fox News released survey results indicating President Trump’s disapproval rating had reached its highest point ever recorded in that specific poll. The Fox News poll registered 59 percent of registered voters disapproving of President Trump’s job performance, with 47 percent expressing strong disapproval. A separate Fox News poll, released the day prior, placed President Trump’s overall job approval at 41 percent. Among Republican voters specifically, President Trump’s approval fell to 82 percent—its lowest point of his second term, marking a ten-point drop from 92 percent just one year earlier in March 2025. During the same television appearance, President Trump also referenced a CNN poll, which he claimed showed 100 percent approval among self-described MAGA voters, particularly concerning his stance on Iran.
Later in the discussion, President Trump inquired about Tarlov's absence directly. "Tell me, did she not wanna do it, or did you kick her off the show?" he asked Watters. Watters quickly clarified, "No. We didn’t kick her off. She had a previous schedule that she couldn’t change."
Despite her absence from the studio, Tarlov was clearly monitoring the broadcast. She took to X (formerly Twitter) that evening to respond directly to a clip of President Trump’s comments. "Was so bummed to miss the show today! But I definitely would’ve said he’s even inflating his numbers to 42%!" she posted, directly challenging President Trump's earlier statement.
This most recent exchange marks another chapter in an ongoing public disagreement between President Trump and Tarlov. Last July, following Tarlov's advocacy for gun control measures in the wake of a New York City shooting, President Trump posted on Truth Social, "I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!!! DJT." The day before President Trump’s phone appearance, Tarlov had also appeared on "The Five," where she referenced a reported "daily war snuff film briefing" President Trump receives from aides, along with comments regarding the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Despite the President's pointed criticism, Jesse Watters reiterated his appreciation for Tarlov during the broadcast, stating, "She’s a lovely person. We’re working on her. Don’t worry." The continuing dialogue underscores the dynamic relationship between political leaders and media figures in contemporary American discourse.
