President Trump publicly criticized Fox News for not airing his Vandalia, Ohio rally and accused the network of privileging left-leaning voices and sidelining MAGA coverage. He has recently taken confrontational steps toward several news outlets, some of which were blocked by a judge. Polls from The New York Times/Siena and CBS show Democratic advantages in several Senate races and a nine-point lead on the generic congressional ballot, though Trump dismissed those findings as underestimates of his movement.
Trump Slams Fox News Over Rally Coverage As Midterm Polls Signal Trouble For Republicans
Trump lashes out at Fox News as his mid-term fears spiral out of control
President Donald Trump criticized Fox News on Truth Social after the network did not broadcast his Saturday rally in Vandalia, Ohio, a complaint that comes as recent polls show Democrats leading in several competitive Senate contests and the generic congressional ballot.
Rally Coverage And Public Feud With Fox
On Sunday, the day after the Vandalia event, Trump wrote that Fox & Friends (Sunday) failed to cover what he called a "packed house" and an "incredibly enthusiastic" audience. He repeated his frustration that Fox gives airtime to left-leaning guests while downplaying his rallies and supporters.
US President Donald Trump gestures as he walks during a rally at Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio, US, October 3, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY (Reuters)
"Sad to see that Fox & Friends (Sunday) is not covering our packed house and incredibly enthusiastic (beyond!)"
Escalating Tensions With The Media
The post is the latest episode in a broader confrontation between Trump and several news organizations. Last month he ordered CNN, MSNBC and Politico off White House grounds — an action a judge quickly blocked — and he said he barred CNN from Air Force One during a trip to Tennessee. Trump has also criticized Fox for hosting Democratic voices such as Abdul El-Sayed and Jessica Tarlov and questioned the network's editorial decisions after the departure of Maria Bartiromo, a longtime Trump supporter.
Campaigning And Polling Context
Trump has been campaigning in battleground states including Ohio, Alabama and Texas to energize Republican voters and support preferred Senate candidates. The article notes he traveled to Texas in part to boost Attorney General Ken Paxton, who polling shows trailing Democrat James Talarico in that contest.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) (L) and Republican Senate candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) watch as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a visit to the Peterbilt Motors truck plant on October 01, 2026, in Denton, Texas. (Getty)
Recent surveys from The New York Times and Siena College show Democrats leading in key Senate races in Texas, Ohio and Alaska, with close contests in Kansas and Iowa. A CBS News poll released on Sunday indicated Democrats held a nine-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot and projected roughly 229 House seats for Democrats versus about 206 for Republicans.
Trump Pushes Back On Polls
In a follow-up Truth Social post, Trump dismissed the polls, saying "The Polls have ALWAYS underestimated MAGA," and claiming — without independent verification — victories in several measures this year. The claim that pollsters routinely underestimate his movement remains contested and should be treated cautiously.
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights an ongoing tension between Trump and major news outlets over coverage of his events and candidates; it also underscores the high stakes of late campaign messaging as polls suggest potential Democratic gains heading into the midterms.
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