Trump Criticizes Fox News After Network Announces Kamala Harris Interview
Fox News' Bret Baier Set To Interview Harris In PA
Topic:
Politics
by MPeriod
Posted 1 day ago
Former President Donald Trump launched a public attack on Fox News after the network announced it would air an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. In a series of social media posts on Monday, Trump claimed the conservative-leaning network has grown “weak” on Democrats and criticized anchor Bret Baier, who is scheduled to interview Harris.
Trump’s grievances reflect a larger pattern of tension between the former president and the network, despite his continued appearances on its programs.
Trump's Criticism of Fox News and Bret Baier
Trump’s criticism focused largely on Fox News' choice of Bret Baier as the interviewer for Harris. Trump suggested that Baier is too soft on Democrats, referring to him as part of the “cocktail circuit Left” in one of his social media posts.
"Lyin’ Kamala Harris has wisely chosen Bret Baier, of FoxNews, to do a much-needed interview, because he is considered to be ‘Fair & Balanced,’ though often very soft to those on the ‘cocktail circuit’ Left,” Trump posted.
He went on to say that he would prefer to see Harris interviewed by a "harder-hitting journalist," though he did not specify who he had in mind. Baier, a well-respected anchor at Fox, is known for his reputation as a nonpartisan journalist, making him a frequent choice for high-profile interviews.
Accusations Against Harris' Spokesperson
In addition to attacking Baier, Trump targeted Ian Sams, a senior advisor to Vice President Harris. Trump accused Sams of having significant influence over Fox News, claiming in one post that Sams "virtually owns" the network.
The comment is part of a broader criticism by Trump, who has repeatedly suggested that Democrats are given favorable treatment by Fox News. He also singled out several Fox personalities by name, including Neil Cavuto, Eric Shawn, and Arthel Neville, implying that they are too lenient toward Democratic figures.
“How much time does Ian Sams, Senior Advisor to Lyin’ Kamala Harris, spend on FoxNews?” Trump wrote, calling Sams a “just below average guy.”
Tension Between Trump and Fox News
Trump’s critiques come despite his frequent appearances on Fox News. Just days before his criticism, Trump sat for an interview with Maria Bartiromo, and he has been a regular guest on shows such as Fox & Friends. He is also scheduled to participate in a town hall hosted by the network, during which he will take questions from an all-female audience.
Nonetheless, Trump’s frustration with Fox has been evident for some time. He has occasionally lashed out at the network when it broadcasts content or interviews that he perceives as unfavorable. His dissatisfaction appears to stem from Fox's efforts to maintain a broader journalistic balance, which sometimes includes giving airtime to Democratic figures.
“FoxNews has totally lost its way!” Trump declared in another post, accusing the network of being too soft on Democrats and no longer reflecting the conservative viewpoint he feels it once championed.
Broader Impact on Trump-Fox News Relationship
Despite his criticisms, Trump has continued to engage with Fox News, understanding the network’s significance in reaching his core voter base. Fox remains a key platform for Trump, even as other conservative media outlets like Newsmax and One America News Network have sought to attract Trump supporters by aligning more closely with his messaging.
The tension between Trump and Fox News is emblematic of the former president’s broader relationship with the media. While Trump has often decried media outlets he believes are unfair or hostile to him, he maintains a strategic relationship with those that provide him a platform to communicate with his supporters.
Conclusion: Trump and Fox News — A Complicated Relationship
Trump’s recent attacks on Fox News highlight his ongoing frustration with the network’s perceived shift in tone, particularly when it comes to Democrats. While his criticism of Baier and Sams signals his discontent with the Harris interview, it is unlikely to mark a definitive break between Trump and the network.
As the 2024 election draws closer, Trump will likely continue to use Fox News as a key outlet, even as he expresses dissatisfaction with how the network handles certain stories and interviews. Fox News, for its part, remains in a balancing act—working to maintain its viewership while navigating the complexities of its relationship with Trump and the broader conservative movement.
