Former President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing critique against his once-favored news network, Fox News, during an interview on the conservative talk show “Patriot Watch.” Trump accused the hosts at Fox News of intentionally ignoring his name, alleging it was a calculated move to boost their ratings. The interview, held on Monday, October 23, 2023, on the lesser-known conservative program, quickly turned into a heated exchange as Trump expressed feeling “abandoned” by the network he had long considered an ally.
Trump’s tirade began with a sharp rebuke: “I can’t believe what’s happening at Fox. They’ve forgotten who made them what they are today. They used to love me; now they don’t even want to say my name.” He accused Fox News hosts of being “afraid” to discuss him, insinuating that this omission was a strategic attempt to attract a broader audience and improve ratings. “They think they can get better ratings by pretending I don’t exist. Well, that’s a big mistake,” he added.
The former president’s remarks reverberated across social media platforms, eliciting both support from his followers and astonishment from critics at his unexpected attack on the network. Historically, Fox News, known for its conservative bias, had been Trump’s primary source of news and played a pivotal role in shaping his political career.
In response to Trump’s allegations, Fox News representatives released a statement asserting their commitment to unbiased reporting. The statement read, “Fox News is committed to providing accurate and balanced news coverage, which includes fair and unbiased reporting on all prominent political figures. President Trump remains a significant newsmaker, and we cover his actions and statements like any other public figure.” Despite these reassurances, there has been a noticeable shift in Fox News’s coverage since Trump left office.
Trump’s ongoing feud with Fox News could potentially reshape the conservative media landscape. Experts speculate that his criticism might further fragment the conservative audience, leading to the rise of alternative media outlets catering specifically to his ardent supporters. These emerging platforms, gaining prominence in recent years, pose a challenge to established networks like Fox News.
While Fox News continues to maintain its impartiality, Trump’s vocal criticisms indicate a growing divide between him and the network that was once his primary media ally. The consequences of this feud on the conservative media landscape remain uncertain. However, it is evident that Trump’s influence on the media landscape persists, even outside the confines of the Oval Office, potentially reshaping the future of conservative news consumption.
