Fox News Skips Trump Rallies as Ratings Decline

Key points

• Fox News is not broadcasting Trump’s midterm rallies live, citing low ratings and repetitive content.
• Trump has publicly criticized the network, claiming it is ignoring his events to favor Democrats.
• Fox executives, including Jay Wallace, stated they air content that attracts viewers, even if it displeases the president.
• The network recently featured Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, drawing nearly 3.4 million viewers in August.
• White House officials complained to Fox about El-Sayed’s coverage, but the network maintained its editorial independence.

Background

This conflict follows Fox News’ recent dismissal of anchor Maria Bartiromo in September 2026, who had shared internal network guidance with the White House. The Bartiromo incident highlighted existing tensions between the network’s editorial standards and the administration’s demands. Additionally, Fox had previously avoided promoting unverified claims about election vulnerabilities, a directive that aligned with its current strategy of prioritizing ratings over political alignment.

How outlets are covering it

CNN’s Brian Stelter emphasizes that Fox’s decision reflects a strategic calculation that Trump’s rallies no longer draw significant audiences, noting that the network’s opinion hosts are now seen as better messengers for the GOP. Salon’s Sophia Tesfaye frames the situation as a crisis for Trump, who relies on media validation to counter shrinking crowds and falling poll numbers, arguing that Fox’s refusal to provide uninterrupted coverage exposes the fragility of his political model. Axios highlights the commercial aspect, noting that Fox’s coverage of El-Sayed attracted massive viewership, leading executives to prioritize audience engagement over political loyalty. A Fox News spokesperson and executive Jay Wallace explicitly defended the network’s editorial choices, stating that they air programming their core audience wants to see, regardless of political implications.

Why it matters

The rift between Trump and Fox News signals a potential shift in the relationship between the president and the most prominent conservative media outlet. If Fox continues to prioritize ratings over political loyalty, it could undermine Trump’s ability to control the narrative during the midterm elections. This dynamic may also influence how other media outlets approach coverage of political figures, potentially leading to a more fragmented media landscape where traditional alliances are less reliable.

What to watch

Trump is expected to continue publicly criticizing Fox News, potentially escalating his rhetoric against the network. Fox may face further pressure from the White House, but its strong ratings and commercial interests suggest it will maintain its current editorial stance. The outcome of the midterm elections will be a key indicator of whether Fox’s strategy of prioritizing ratings over political loyalty is effective. Additionally, the legal fight over the White House’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the presidential press pool will likely continue, with arguments scheduled for Thursday.