Fox News host Jessica Tarlov is being direct about Donald Trump’s economic policies.
In a post on X, she highlighted one of the network’s own polls, saying, “Donald Trump’s approval rating on inflation in the latest Fox News poll is 36%. Tariffs are driving up costs and the American people are angry. There’s no sugar coating that, no matter how some may try.”
Heated Exchange Over Poll Numbers
Tarlov followed up the post with a video clip from “The Five,” where she repeated the 36% approval figure on inflation.
When a fellow panelist pushed back, asking, “Compared to what?” she replied firmly, “It doesn’t have to be… That’s not how polling works.”
The segment quickly turned tense as co-host Greg Gutfeld mocked the poll’s credibility, saying, “Oh, please explain to me how efficient and brilliant your polling is. You did a great job in 2024.”
Tarlov clarified, “It’s not my polling,” pointing out that the data came from Fox News itself.
Fox News Poll Paints a Mixed Picture
According to the latest national survey by Fox News, Trump’s approval rating stands at 46%, with 54% disapproving.
On inflation and tariffs specifically, only 36% of voters approve of his handling of each, numbers that line up with Tarlov’s remarks.
Even though economic ratings are showing small improvements, 32% of voters rate the economy positively, and 44% feel good about their personal finances, majorities still give negative marks.
Two-thirds rate the economy poorly, and over half say the same about their household finances.
Inflation is still hurting Americans, though slightly less than in previous years.
Seventy-one percent say it caused them financial hardship in the last six months, down from a peak of 78% in 2022.
Trump’s Budget Law Gets Cold Reception
Another major issue is the president’s new budget law. Touted by Trump as “The One Big Beautiful Bill,” it’s been met with strong opposition.
The poll shows 58% disapprove of the legislation, and more than twice as many think it will hurt rather than help their families.
Some provisions are particularly unpopular, including raising the debt ceiling (74% disapprove), cutting food stamps (65%), and ending clean energy tax credits (58%).
On the flip side, voters favor removing taxes on tips (70%) and making tax cuts permanent for those earning under $250,000 (68%).
Foreign Policy and Border Security
Trump gets his best marks on border security, with 56% approving. But foreign policy remains a tough area.
Just 45% approve of his performance, and voters are split on the recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Most say it’s too soon to judge whether they were successful, but 43% believe the moves made the U.S. less safe.
Big Takeaway
While Trump still has strong backing from his base, with 88% of Republicans approving of his job performance, support from the rest of the country isn’t nearly as solid.
Independents and Democrats are much more critical, especially when it comes to inflation and the rising cost of living.
As Jessica Tarlov emphasized, Americans across income levels say they are still struggling financially.
A majority continue to rate the economy and their personal finances negatively. Tariffs, in particular, are being blamed for making everyday goods more expensive.
“Tariffs are driving up costs,” she said. “And the American people are angry.”
IMAGE CREDIT: “President Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.