On the evening of Thursday, March 26, 2026, a live broadcast of the Fox News program The Five became the center of a high-profile media exchange when former President Donald Trump called into the show to offer both praise for the program and pointed criticism of one of its rotating co-hosts, Jessica Tarlov. The interaction, which occurred during a period of heightened political campaigning and public polling scrutiny, highlighted the ongoing tension between the former president and the media figures who challenge his narratives on air.
During the segment, Trump addressed the panel, which at the time included Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, among others. While expressing his general affinity for the network’s programming, Trump specifically singled out Tarlov, a Democratic strategist who serves as the "liberal" voice on the panel. Trump suggested that the program’s quality was diminished by her presence, stating, "I like all of your shows. 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."
Details of the Live Exchange
The comments were made while Tarlov was absent from the Thursday broadcast. Host Jesse Watters attempted to bridge the tension by suggesting a future in-person meeting between the two, asking the former president if he would be willing to appear on set next to Tarlov. Watters suggested that Trump might serve as a "good influence" on her.
Trump’s response was dismissive of Tarlov’s professional contributions, specifically targeting her use of data and statistics. "I watch Jessica, and I’m not a fan," Trump replied. "And she uses fake numbers. She’ll give, ‘Well, he’s only polling 42%.’ That’s not right. Polling very high, actually." He continued by broad-brushing his critics as "bad journalists" who propagate "fake stories," though he tempered his critique with a brief personal remark, adding, "I’m sure I’d like her. I’m sure she’s a lovely person."
Watters defended his colleague during the call, asserting that Tarlov is indeed a "lovely person" and jokingly adding that the team was "working on her." When Trump inquired whether Tarlov had been removed from the show or had chosen not to participate in the day’s broadcast, Watters clarified that her absence was due to a "previous schedule that she couldn’t change."
The Response from Jessica Tarlov
Following the broadcast, Jessica Tarlov utilized social media to address the former president’s remarks. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she shared a clip of the segment and offered a succinct rebuttal regarding the polling data Trump had disputed.
"Was so bummed to miss the show today!" Tarlov wrote. "But I definitely would’ve said he’s even inflating his numbers to 42%!"
The quip was a direct reference to the specific figures Trump had mentioned during his call. Tarlov’s response served not only as a defense of her analytical approach but also as a reinforcement of the very data points that had drawn Trump’s ire. By suggesting that even a 42% polling figure might be an overestimation, Tarlov signaled her intent to continue providing a counter-narrative to the former president’s claims, a hallmark of her role on the high-rated afternoon program.
Statistical Context and Polling Data
The dispute over "fake numbers" centers on a Fox News poll released just two days prior, on Tuesday, March 25, 2026. That specific poll indicated that Trump’s approval rating stood at 41%. In the context of political punditry, such figures are frequently debated; however, Tarlov’s use of these numbers is grounded in the network’s own sanctioned research.
Trump’s assertion that he is "polling very high" often contrasts with aggregate polling data or specific network polls that show him within a consistent range, typically between 40% and 48% depending on the demographic and the specific question asked. The discrepancy between a candidate’s perception of their popularity and the empirical data provided by polling organizations remains a recurring theme in modern political discourse. Tarlov, as a strategist, relies on these metrics to frame her arguments, leading to the friction observed during the March 26 broadcast.
A History of Public Friction
The March 26 exchange is not an isolated incident but rather the latest chapter in a long-standing pattern of public criticism directed by Trump toward Tarlov. In July 2025, a similar conflict arose following a segment in which Tarlov advocated for stricter gun control measures in the wake of a shooting in New York City.
At that time, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to voice his displeasure, writing, "I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!!! DJT." This history of direct engagement suggests that the former president closely monitors the commentary provided by the liberal seat on The Five, viewing it as a significant enough influence to warrant personal intervention.
Tarlov joined The Five as a permanent co-host in early 2022, alternating the "liberal" seat with other contributors like Harold Ford Jr. Her tenure has been marked by a willingness to engage in sharp, fact-based debates with her conservative co-hosts, often serving as the sole dissenting voice on topics ranging from economic policy to legal challenges facing the Trump administration.
The Role of the Contrarian in Modern Media
The format of The Five relies heavily on the chemistry and conflict between its five panelists. Since its inception in 2011, the show has utilized a "four-against-one" or "three-against-two" ideological split to generate debate. Tarlov’s role is strategically significant; she provides the necessary friction that drives the program’s narrative tension, which has helped the show maintain its position as one of the most-watched programs in cable news.
From a media analysis perspective, Trump’s call-in and subsequent targeting of Tarlov highlight the unique position held by Fox News. While the network’s prime-time lineup is often seen as a bastion of conservative thought, its panel shows frequently include diverse viewpoints to fulfill a broader debate format. By criticizing Tarlov directly on the air, Trump effectively bypassed the traditional "gatekeepers" of the media to speak directly to the audience, while simultaneously attempting to discredit the dissenting voice present on the panel.
Broader Implications for Journalistic Integrity
The incident raises questions about the influence of political figures on media staffing and content. Trump’s suggestion that the show would be "better without her" is a direct attempt to influence the editorial composition of a major news program. For news organizations, maintaining the independence of their contributors in the face of pressure from high-ranking political figures is a core tenet of journalistic ethics.
Furthermore, the focus on "fake numbers" underscores the ongoing battle over "objective truth" in the political arena. When a political leader labels empirical data—such as a network’s own poll—as "fake," it complicates the ability of analysts like Tarlov to engage in a shared reality with the audience. The defense of these numbers by Tarlov and the lighthearted but firm support from Watters indicate a complex internal dynamic at Fox News, where the demands of entertainment, political loyalty, and factual reporting often collide.
Future Outlook for The Five
As the 2026 political cycle continues to intensify, the presence of voices like Tarlov’s will likely remain a point of contention for those who prefer a more monolithic ideological presentation. However, the ratings for The Five suggest that the audience remains deeply engaged with the confrontational format.
The interaction on March 26 confirms that despite the former president’s frequent criticisms of certain personalities, he remains a regular viewer and an active participant in the network’s ecosystem. For Tarlov, the public criticism from a figure of Trump’s stature arguably elevates her profile, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the national political conversation.
The network has not issued an official statement regarding Trump’s comments, but the continued presence of Tarlov on the program suggests that Fox News remains committed to the current format of The Five. As for the proposed on-set meeting between Trump and Tarlov, it remains to be seen whether such an event will materialize, but it would undoubtedly represent a significant moment in the intersection of celebrity, politics, and cable news punditry.
