President Donald Trump picked up the phone Thursday and delivered a pointed message to the hosts of Fox News’ “The Five” — and one absent co-host heard it loud and clear from miles away.
Trump joined the March 26 broadcast via telephone, and before long steered the conversation toward a familiar target: Democratic political strategist and rotating co-host Jessica Tarlov, who was not present that day.
Trump opened the door himself. “I like all of your shows,” he told the panel.
“I’m glad Jessica’s not there. No, actually, I think your show would be better without her. But who am I to say that? I think it would be a lot better.”
Host Jesse Watters seized on the moment, extending a future invitation to the president.
“Mr. President, the next time you do this on ‘The Five,’ can we have you on set? Because we really want you to sit next to Jessica,” Watters said.
“I think you’d be a good influence on her. Can you do that?”
Trump answered without hesitation, aiming his criticism at Tarlov’s on-air use of polling data.
“I watch Jessica, and I’m not a fan. And she uses fake numbers. She’ll give, ‘Well, he’s only polling 42%.’ That’s not right… Actually. Uh, you know, polls are just like, I hate people that use fake polls because polls are just like bad journalists. You know, bad journalists, they write fake stories. Well, fake polls do damage also, but that’s the thing. I’m sure she’s a lovely person,” Trump said.
The remarks landed the same day Fox News released survey results showing Trump’s disapproval rating at its highest point ever recorded in that particular poll.
The Fox News poll registered 59 percent of registered voters disapproving of Trump’s job performance, with 47 percent saying they strongly disapprove.
A separate Fox News poll released the day prior placed Trump’s overall job approval at 41 percent.
Among Republican voters specifically, Trump’s approval fell to 82 percent — its lowest point of his second term, down from 92 percent just one year earlier in March 2025.
During the same appearance, Trump also pointed to a CNN poll he said showed 100 percent approval among self-described MAGA voters, particularly regarding his stance on Iran.
After discussing polling, Trump noticed Tarlov’s absence from the set and pressed Watters for answers.
“Tell me, did she not wanna do it, or did you kick her off the show?” the president asked.
Watters moved quickly to clear the air. “No,” he said. “We didn’t kick her off. She had a previous schedule that she couldn’t change.”
Tarlov, watching from elsewhere, did not stay quiet for long. She took to X that evening and responded directly to a clip of Trump’s remarks on the show.
“Was so bummed to miss the show today! But I definitely would’ve said he’s even inflating his numbers to 42%!” she posted.
The back-and-forth marked just the latest chapter in an ongoing conflict between Trump and Tarlov.
Last July, after Tarlov called for gun control measures following a New York City shooting, Trump posted on Truth Social, “I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!!! DJT.”
The day before Trump’s phone appearance, Tarlov appeared on “The Five” and referenced a reported “daily war snuff film briefing” Trump receives from aides, along with comments about the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Watters, for his part, assured the president the show’s team had not lost faith in their liberal co-host. “She’s a lovely person,” Watters said. “We’re working on her. Don’t worry.”
