President Donald Trump took the gloves off for Fox News on Sunday evening, chiding the network over coverage of negotiations with Democrats to build his long promised wall along the Mexican border.
“Never thought I’d say this but I think @johnrobertsFox and @GillianHTurner @FoxNews have even less understanding of the Wall negotiations than the folks at FAKE NEWS CNN & NBC! Look to final results!” Trump said in a tweet calling out favored Fox News personalities by name. “Don’t know how my poll numbers are so good, especially up 19% with Hispanics?”
Neither John Roberts or Gillian Turner responded to the president on Twitter as of Monday morning. Fox News also did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the jab from their most famous fan.
The criticism of Fox is a rare departure for Trump, who typically spends time on Twitter venting about CNN, the New York Times or other favored media targets. Fox News segments lauding him or his policies are usually promoted, with Trump singling out favored reporters and shows by name.
Fox News’ growing pushback of the president comes after a decision to broadly reopen the government despite Trump winning zero of his demands for wall funding from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The billionaire has vowed to shut things down again in February if no deal is reached. Many network stalwarts like Lou Dobbs have blasted Trump for the move, while others such as Judge Jeanine Pirro have been more supportive.
On “Fox & Friends” Monday, co-host Brian Kilmeade — who has been known to look straight into the camera and address Trump directly — said the president just didn’t have the “leverage” to move the needle on his priorities this time around.