During a standard phone call with Fox News on Thursday, President Donald Trump unexpectedly turned his attention to attacking one of the network’s own personalities, stating that “The Five” would function “a lot better” without Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov, who was not present to respond.
The president, age 79, phoned into the program on March 26, 2026, for what evolved into a far-reaching discussion covering subjects ranging from the Strait of Hormuz to his support among gay voters. However, the conversation shifted dramatically when co-host Jesse Watters extended an offer.
“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. I think you’d be a good influence on her. Can you do that?” Watters asked.
Trump rejected the suggestion. Rather, he began attacking the program’s only liberal voice, who appears as a rotating co-host but was not present for Thursday’s episode because of a prior commitment.
“I like all of your shows. 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,” Trump said during the phone interview.
The president continued his criticism, charging Tarlov with presenting “fake numbers” regarding his approval ratings. He particularly objected to her mentioning a 42% approval rating—although a Fox News survey published March 25 in fact placed him at 41% approval with 59% disapproval, representing his greatest disapproval percentage throughout both presidential terms.
“I watch Jessica, and I’m not a fan,” Trump told the panel as co-hosts laughed. “She uses fake numbers. She’ll give, ‘Well, he’s only polling 42%.’ That’s not right. Polling very high, actually.”
Trump subsequently questioned why she was missing, inquiring of Watters: “Tell me, did she not want to do it, or did you kick her off the show?” Watters explained that the network had not dismissed her. She had an existing commitment that couldn’t be altered.
Tarlov, a Democratic political strategist who additionally co-hosts the Raging Moderates podcast with Scott Galloway, refused to ignore the president’s statements. She fired back on social media on Thursday night with a pointed jab at Trump’s polling claims.
“Was so bummed to miss the show today! But I definitely would’ve said he’s even inflating his numbers to 42%!” she wrote.
Thursday’s confrontation represents yet another installment in Trump’s ongoing conflict with Tarlov. Last July, following her call for gun control after a New York City shooting, the president shared on Truth Social: “I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!!!” He has additionally described her as a “failed TV personality” and “disgrace to television broadcasting” for drawing attention to his unfavorable polling numbers.
The president has an established history of attacking female journalists who question him. In December, he described ABC reporter Rachel Scott as “the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place.” He has repeatedly criticized CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, described New York Times reporter Katie Rogers as “ugly, both inside and out,” and yelled “Quiet, piggy!” at Bloomberg’s Catherine Lucey.
What distinguished Thursday’s verbal assault was its venue. Instead of attacking Tarlov through social media or during a rally, Trump utilized an appearance on her own program to criticize her, denying her any chance to reply immediately. The panelists—Dana Perino, Kennedy, Greg Gutfeld, Kayleigh McEnany, and Watters—joined in laughing at the president’s statements.
The situation places Fox News in an uncomfortable predicament. The network faces the challenge of maintaining its connection with a sitting president who enjoys strong support from its primary viewership while also backing its own staff members. As of Monday, neither Fox News leadership nor “The Five” production team had openly commented on Trump’s statements or suggested any modifications to the program’s roster.
Tarlov, 41, has developed her professional reputation as a liberal commentator on Fox News since becoming a contributor in 2017. She was promoted to co-host of “The Five” in January 2022, offering Democratic viewpoints to the show’s mainly conservative lineup. Her readiness to contest pro-Trump messaging has established her as a common subject of attacks from the president’s base—and currently from the president personally during the program’s broadcast.
The clash occurs as Trump pursues his second term with Vice President JD Vance. The president has continued his confrontational stance toward media personalities he views as antagonistic, although singling out a host on a network typically supportive of his administration is notable even for him.