President Donald Trump sharply criticized Fox News on Friday for what he called disproportionate airtime given to Democrats, specifically targeting Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) as a frequent guest he labeled a “total dope” and declaring that he was “not happy” with the network’s coverage.
Speaking at a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, held to boost Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) in her reelection race against Democrat Angie Nixon and Republican gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly, Trump tied his complaint to his intensive campaign schedule ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. He said he has been traveling the country for Republican candidates only to return and see their opponents featured on the network.
Trump rips Fox News: "Fox is giving Democrats more time than they give Republicans. I'm working my ass off. I'm doing rallies. And I come back and watch the opponent of the person I did the rally for." https://t.co/0xeRVFw4vW
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) October 31, 2026
“I watched this total dope — Ro Khanna — Fox puts him on all the time,” Trump told the crowd. “You know, Fox is giving Democrats more time than they give Republicans. I don’t know what the hell’s—” He continued, “I’m working my a** off. I’m doing rallies, and I come back, and I watch the opponent of the person I did the rally for. I’m not happy.”
Earlier Friday, Khanna had appeared on Fox & Friends with co-host Ainsley Earhardt. The two discussed the war in Iran, potential impeachment proceedings against Trump, progressive policy priorities, and allegations involving Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.). The exchange stayed cordial; Khanna opened by congratulating Earhardt on her recent marriage to fellow Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Khanna, a regular on the network, has previously defended such appearances. Speaking to Mediaite’s Sarah Rumpf earlier this month, he said going on Fox News allows him to “share my ideas and not be demonized” and urged fellow Democrats to “try to make your case, and come at it with good faith that the people you’re trying to convince are millions of our fellow citizens.”
Omar investigation dates back to Obama-era https://t.co/3IiTdHnxqi
— Ainsley Earhardt (@ainsleyearhardt) October 30, 2026
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Khanna posted on social media: “Thanks for the 4 shoutouts today, Mr. President. I’ll be on Fox this Sunday to share more of my thoughts on your failure in Iran and how it’s raised gas and food prices.” He added, “If you get a break from bragging about oil company profits and playing golf, tune in!”
The exchange highlights ongoing friction between Trump and Fox News during the final stretch of the midterm campaign, as the former president presses his case for Republican candidates while criticizing media outlets he has long accused of insufficient loyalty.