As Democratic victories became clear during the midterm elections, President Donald Trump reportedly turned his anger toward Fox News, attacking the network and its presenters while results were still coming in. He first criticized the channel’s exit polls, calling them “the worst” and accusing the network of asking insulting, unfair questions.

Trump Takes Aim at Fox News and Jessica Tarlov: Fox News polling reportedly showed that 87% of respondents were seriously concerned about rising gas prices, with 62% blaming Trump’s policies. His approval rating was also reported at just 38%. Frustrated by the coverage, Trump attacked The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov on Truth Social, calling her “dumb as a rock” and complaining about her voice. He also claimed the network’s ratings were falling because it spent too much time criticizing him.

Trump’s Private Message Is Read on Air: The president reportedly sent a text to Tarlov’s co-host, Greg Gutfeld, telling him to pass along a message about gas prices, inflation and Iran. Trump argued that fuel prices were lower than during the Biden and Obama administrations, blamed his predecessor for inflation and insisted prices were falling quickly. Gutfeld then read the message during the broadcast, bringing Trump’s personal frustration directly into the live coverage.

Tarlov Fires Back: Rather than matching Trump’s insults, Tarlov responded on social media, saying her comments about gas prices had clearly upset him, but that “reality is a tricky thing.” Trump also accused Fox Corporation of financially supporting prominent Democrats and insisted his own numbers were better than ever. His claims about the network’s ratings and political donations were not supported with evidence in the account.