President Donald Trump criticized Fox News for providing airtime to candidates opposing Republicans, such as Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Trump accused the network of favoring Democrats and undermining the MAGA movement.
In two Truth Social posts, Trump addressed Fox’s coverage of El-Sayed and Dan Osborn, an independent Nebraska Senate candidate. He argued that the network gave political opponents favorable exposure while not highlighting Republican candidates and his rallies adequately.
The issue underlines recurring tensions between Trump and Fox News, a significant network among Republican viewers. When asked for comment, the White House referred Newsweek to Trump’s posts.
This disagreement arises as candidates ramp up efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake. Michigan’s Senate race is closely contested, viewed as key for Democrats hoping to gain control of the Senate.
Focus on Michigan’s Senate Race
Trump initially criticized Fox anchor Martha MacCallum’s interview with El-Sayed, a physician running for Michigan’s open Senate seat. Trump lamented that Fox spent more time on what he termed ‘Jihadist and Dumocrat’ candidates than Republicans.
He described MacCallum’s interview as a ‘softball’ encounter, contrasting it with his own experiences on Fox. Former President Barack Obama plans to campaign with El-Sayed in Detroit, signaling high national importance for Democrats.
In the Democratic primary, El-Sayed defeated Haley Stevens and now competes against Republican Mike Rogers. Polls show a competitive race, with recent surveys placing El-Sayed and Rogers within a few percentage points of each other.
A Fox News survey from late September showed El-Sayed leading at 50 percent to Rogers’s 49 percent among likely voters. Meanwhile, a Trafalgar Group poll had El-Sayed at 47 percent compared to Rogers at 45 percent.
Broader Criticism of Fox News
Trump’s frustrations with Fox extend beyond El-Sayed’s coverage. Minutes after the initial post, he criticized the network for an in-depth interview with Osborn, challenging Republican Ricketts. Trump called Osborn a ‘sleazebag’ and questioned Fox’s air time for the independent candidate.
Trump claimed left-leaning media does not offer similar exposure to Republicans. He accused Fox of failing to highlight his rallies and accomplishments, saying the network was promoting Democrats over Republicans and had lost direction.
These complaints are part of ongoing criticism from Trump, despite Fox being a key platform for Republicans and conservatives. During the 2024 Republican primary, Trump accused Fox of preferring his rival Ron DeSantis.
In a June 2023 Truth Social post reported by The Hill, Trump asked Fox to ’embrace MAGA’ and accused the network of pushing for DeSantis. Trump has also criticized Fox’s polls, alleging they underrepresent his support. Last month, he labeled Fox’s polling as the ‘worst in the whole business’ after unfavorable results.
Trump has public disputes with Fox personalities, including former anchor Chris Wallace. Wallace faced Trump’s ire during interviews and the moderation of the first 2020 presidential debate.
Newsweek’s team used Martyn, their AI assistant, for this story. Contact editors Samantha Beech and Edward T. Cummins for more information.
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