Trump Blames Fox News for Midterm Polls and Shrinking Crowds

Key points

• Trump posted on Truth Social, demanding Fox News cover his rallies or face a drop in ratings comparable to 'fake news' outlets.
• The president specifically criticized Fox for airing an interview with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat leading polls against Republican Mike Rogers.
• Trump questioned who made the decision to fire former Fox host Maria Bartiromo, referencing her recent departure from the network.
• The White House barred Politico from traveling on Air Force One, while a legal battle over the ban of CNN and MS NOW is set for hearing on October 8.
• The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added six new districts to its 'Red to Blue' list, indicating potential gains in areas Trump won in 2024.

Background

This escalation follows the abrupt departure of Maria Bartiromo from Fox News in early September 2026. Reports indicated she was dismissed after allegedly sharing internal communications with the administration, a move that signaled a growing tension between the network's editorial standards and the White House's demand for unyielding support.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast characterizes the situation as a 'morning meltdown' driven by panic over the midterms, highlighting Trump's focus on El-Sayed's background. Salon provides a broader analysis, noting that Fox News has already covered some rallies but avoids live broadcasts, which Trump interprets as a lack of support. The Independent frames the conflict as a spiral of midterm fears, while Yahoo focuses specifically on the backlash over the El-Sayed interview. All sources agree that the president is using media intimidation to mask declining poll numbers and crowd sizes.

Why it matters

The breakdown between the president and Fox News, a key ally, signals a potential shift in the media landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms. It highlights the administration's reliance on controlled narratives and the growing resistance from major conservative outlets to provide the constant validation Trump demands, potentially impacting the political discourse and voter perception in a critical election cycle.

What to watch

A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on October 8 regarding the White House's ban of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the presidential press pool. The midterm elections will serve as the ultimate test of the political fallout from these media conflicts and the shifting public sentiment.