Fox News did something unexpected — it told the truth about Donald Trump’s sinking popularity. And the reaction from viewers was swift and furious.
During a live broadcast on Wednesday, the network aired the results of its own poll showing Trump’s approval rating has dropped to just 44% as he nears the 100-day mark in his campaign. That number puts him far behind every other modern president at the same stage. Joe Biden was at 54%, Barack Obama at 62%, and George W. Bush at 63%. Even Trump himself was at 45% in 2017. This time, he’s trailing behind his own past performance.
The poll didn’t just show a dip in overall approval. It highlighted growing disapproval on the economy — once considered Trump’s strong suit. Only 38% of voters approve of how he’s handling the economy, while 56% disapprove. When it comes to inflation, just 33% approve, and 59% disapprove. Tariffs? The same story: 33% approve, 58% disapprove.
It’s a five-point drop from March, when the same Fox News poll showed Trump with a 49% approval rating.
And it’s not just Fox’s numbers. A Reuters/Ipsos poll puts Trump at 42% overall, with only 37% backing his handling of the economy. Pew shows his approval sliding to 40% — down seven points in just two months. RealClearPolitics reports his disapproval has jumped 12 points in three months, now sitting at 51.6%.
What really caught fire wasn’t just the numbers — it was Fox News actually airing them.
The backlash online was immediate and angry.
“Rigged pole,” wrote user Burt Macklin.
“TIME TO REVOKE FOX NEWS BROADCAST LICENSE! WHERE IS THE FCC!?” demanded user @x_facts_matter.
“Fake news,” said @MatthewQui19516.
User @keekeekat12 questioned the poll entirely, asking, “Who are they polling because these numbers do not represent or reflect my part of the country?”
Another viewer, @LookoutBrady, summed up the sentiment bluntly: “No one believes Fox.”
Some viewers weren’t angry — they were shocked. “Frankly I am amazed that Fox put this up. Usually they hide anything that doesn’t make their dear Republican party look perfect,” wrote Paul Gundlach.
For a network that’s often been a safe haven for Trump supporters, this move hit a nerve. Fox News aired the uncomfortable truth — and its viewers weren’t ready to hear it.
Watch the Fox News clip that sparked the backlash below:
Baier: If you look at our new Fox News poll at 100 days job approval compared to other presidents, there you see the president at 44% and you see his first term at 45% at this mark the 100 day mark pic.twitter.com/31ShGyN12E
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 23, 2025
