dq. “THAT IS THE REAL LOSER” — The U.S. President Targets Jessica Tarlov Directly, and It Might Be the Beginning of a Cold War Inside Fox News

Former President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on Fox News commentator Jessica Tarlov on Tuesday, calling her a “real loser” in a sharply worded post on Truth Social as she appeared live on the network’s afternoon talk show The Five. The post, brief but scathing, reignited tensions between Trump and segments of Fox News that have occasionally aired critical commentary about his political positions and leadership style.

“I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!” Trump wrote to his millions of followers. The post went live while Tarlov was on air, making remarks about gun control and the latest mass shooting in New York City. During the segment, she argued that stronger firearm regulations could help prevent such tragedies, while acknowledging that complete prevention might not be possible. “You will never be able to stop all of the lunatics,” Tarlov said, offering a pragmatic but progressive stance on an issue that has long divided political commentators and lawmakers alike.

Trump’s public insult came within minutes of the discussion airing, suggesting that the former president was either watching the show live or had been alerted to Tarlov’s comments. His outburst immediately drew attention from both supporters and critics on social media, with some praising his willingness to call out what they perceive as liberal bias within Fox, while others condemned the attack as yet another example of his hostility toward women and journalists who disagree with him.

Jessica Tarlov, one of the few liberal panelists on The Five, has often been the lone dissenting voice among her conservative co-hosts. Known for her composed demeanor and sharp analysis, she frequently defends Democratic policies and challenges right-leaning narratives during discussions about the economy, immigration, and social issues. Her presence on the network, which remains a dominant force among conservative viewers, is meant to provide ideological balance — though it often places her in direct conflict with Fox’s more outspoken conservative personalities.

Trump’s attack against Tarlov marks the latest in a string of public feuds he has reignited with media figures and outlets, including those once considered his allies. In recent months, the former president has escalated his criticism of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, which owns both Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. Earlier this month, Trump filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, accusing the publication of defamation and bias in its coverage of his political activities. He has also repeatedly targeted Fox News over what he perceives as unfair treatment, particularly in its polling and on-air analysis of his campaign.

Despite Trump’s growing discontent, Fox News remains home to several high-profile hosts who are openly supportive of him and his policies. Personalities such as Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Jesse Watters continue to defend his record and provide favorable coverage. Trump himself has maintained close relationships with some of these figures, granting them exclusive interviews and using the network as a platform to reach his base. During his first six months in office, Fox News enjoyed unparalleled access to the Trump White House, with his allies frequently appearing on the network to shape public narratives around his presidency.

Still, the network’s attempts to maintain a semblance of editorial independence have occasionally put it at odds with Trump. Tarlov’s presence on The Five is emblematic of Fox’s ongoing effort to include a range of viewpoints, even as it remains largely conservative. However, her arguments on issues such as gun control, reproductive rights, and social welfare often trigger strong reactions from both viewers and political figures on the right — and Trump’s latest post underscores just how personal those disagreements can become.

The attack also reflects Trump’s continuing reliance on direct communication via Truth Social, the social media platform he founded after being banned from Twitter (now X) in 2021. He frequently uses the platform to bypass traditional media and deliver unfiltered commentary, often targeting journalists, politicians, and business leaders who criticize him.

So far, Tarlov has not responded publicly to Trump’s remarks, and Fox News has declined to issue an official comment. However, the incident has reignited debates about the former president’s ongoing campaign to discredit media figures he perceives as adversaries — even within networks generally favorable to his political brand.

Observers note that Trump’s relationship with Fox News has shifted from strategic alliance to uneasy coexistence. While the network continues to serve as a key conduit to his voter base, moments like this illustrate the fragile balance between loyalty and independence within conservative media.

As Trump’s attacks grow more frequent and his rhetoric more personal, the line between political criticism and targeted harassment becomes increasingly blurred. And for commentators like Jessica Tarlov — whose job is to represent the minority opinion on one of the most-watched political talk shows in America — it serves as yet another reminder of how contentious, and dangerous, the intersection of media and politics has become in the Trump era.