Donald Trump attacks Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov during midterm coverage

Donald Trump criticized Jessica Tarlov, the sole Democratic co-host on Fox News's The Five, on Truth Social during early coverage of the 2026 midterm elections, Deadline and Raw Story reported. Trump posted that he could not stand Tarlov's voice, referred to her as dumb as a rock, and stated he had to tune out until she left the air. [1][9]

Deadline reported that Trump also texted another co-host on the program while expressing frustration over the network's poll questions. [1]

Television networks adjusted their usual broadcast schedules to accommodate live coverage of the 2026 midterm elections, according to TVLine and Hollywood Reporter TV. The elections included races for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and gubernatorial contests in 36 states. [2][5]

The New York Times Arts reported that viewers had multiple viewing choices, including 13 consecutive hours of NBC footage and a live stream featuring Steve Kornacki. Meanwhile, independent creators also pounced on the midterms, with former CBS News journalist Scott MacFarlane delivering live-streamed coverage for MeidasTouch, according to Variety TV. [6][7]