President Donald Trump has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Fox News, particularly targeting Howard Kurtz, host of the network’s Sunday show “MediaBuzz.” Trump’s frustration comes amid challenges his administration is facing, including decreasing approval ratings.
Recently, Trump suggested that Kurtz should retire, criticizing him for not sufficiently defending his administration. This comment followed a segment on Kurtz’s show regarding the dismissal of national security advisor Mike Waltz.
In a post on Truth Social dated May 4, Trump stated, “It is time for Howie Kurtz to retire!” He expressed concerns about Kurtz’s program featuring commentators from other networks like CNN, who often criticize the administration. Trump characterized Kurtz’s defense of his policies as weak.
This public critique emerges as Trump’s poll numbers are declining amid accusations of authoritarianism and controversies during his early months back in office. Trump has responded by criticizing Rupert Murdoch’s media empire for airing unfavorable opinions about his administration.
Kurtz, 71, has hosted “MediaBuzz” since 2013 after leaving CNN’s “Reliable Sources.” He often critiques perceived liberal bias in media coverage of Trump but maintains he is not an outright supporter, focusing instead on media analysis.
Trump’s criticism of Kurtz coincided with praise for Fox News contributor Joe Concha, author of “The Greatest Comeback Ever: Inside Trump’s Big Beautiful Campaign.” Trump commended Concha for understanding the key moments of his election victory.
This juxtaposition appears strategic, as Trump confidant Sean Hannity has supported Concha as a potential replacement for Kurtz on the network’s media analysis program. Hannity previously suggested Concha would be a strong fit for a Fox show on media.
A source at Fox News told The Independent that Hannity still favors Concha to succeed Kurtz, though there is no known coordination between Hannity and Trump regarding the social media posts.
Concha, who joined Fox News in 2020, has authored several pro-Trump books. His latest book, released in April 2025, frames Trump’s 2024 election win as a significant political comeback and criticizes media coverage.
Trump’s criticism extended beyond Kurtz. On the same day, he lashed out at political strategist Karl Rove, a Fox News contributor. Rove had offered suggestions on addressing Trump’s declining approval ratings, which Trump dismissed, calling Rove a “total loser.”
Rove had advised focusing on economic prosperity and inflation, but Trump rejected the guidance, stating, “I don’t need to have Karl Rove of Fox News to tell me what to do.”
Previously, Trump has targeted others in Murdoch’s media outlets, including a Fox News pollster and a Wall Street Journal reporter, over criticism and unfavorable polling data. The Journal’s editorial board has been critical of Trump’s economic policies.
Despite these tensions, Fox News remains important for Trump, with prime-time hosts like Hannity supporting him. However, some daytime programs and journalists aim to maintain independence in their reporting.
Kurtz responded on social media, writing, “I’ve known President Trump for 35 years, and if I hated him he wouldn’t keep giving me interviews.” He emphasized that some individuals are “not interested in fairness,” implying his commitment to balanced coverage.
Fox News has not commented on Trump’s call for Kurtz’s retirement or the possibility of Concha taking over “MediaBuzz.”