President Donald Trump has recently expressed increasing dissatisfaction with Fox News, particularly due to various challenges his administration faces, including several self-imposed issues and declining approval ratings.
His latest criticism was directed at Howard Kurtz, the host of Fox News’ “MediaBuzz,” suggesting he should retire due to what Trump considers inadequate defense of his administration.
On May 4, Trump criticized Kurtz on Truth Social following a segment addressing the dismissal of national security advisor Mike Waltz. Trump stated, “It is time for Howie Kurtz to retire!” He argued that Kurtz’s program includes commentators from outlets like CNN who criticize his administration, while Kurtz offers only a weak defense of his policies.
This public criticism coincides with Trump’s declining poll numbers amid accusations of authoritarianism and controversies during his early months back in office. Trump has responded by criticizing Rupert Murdoch’s media empire for permitting critiques of his administration on its platforms.
Kurtz, 71, has led “MediaBuzz” since joining Fox News in 2013, following 15 years at CNN’s “Reliable Sources.” Despite criticizing perceived liberal biases in media coverage of Trump, Kurtz maintains that he is a media analyst, not a political advocate.
Trump’s critique of Kurtz occurred shortly after he praised Fox News contributor Joe Concha for his recent book, “The Greatest Comeback Ever: Inside Trump’s Big Beautiful Campaign.” Trump commended Concha, stating he “understands, far better than the many other so-called ‘experts,’ the Iconic Moments that contributed to our truly Historic Election.”
The timing appears deliberate, as Trump confidant Sean Hannity has suggested Concha could replace Kurtz as the host of the media analysis show. Hannity praised Concha during an October 2021 segment, stating he “would have a great TV show here on Fox on media.”
A source from Fox News informed The Independent that “Hannity still wants Concha to replace Howie,” though there is no reported coordination between Hannity and the president regarding Trump’s social media comments.
Concha, who joined Fox News in 2020, has authored multiple pro-Trump books and is viewed as a potential successor to Kurtz if he steps down or is removed. Concha’s latest book, published in April 2025, frames Trump’s 2024 election win as a major political comeback while criticizing media coverage of the campaign.
Trump also criticized political strategist Karl Rove, a Fox News contributor, calling him a “total loser” after Rove offered constructive criticism regarding Trump’s approval ratings on “Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy.”
Rove suggested that Trump focus on economic prosperity and inflation, key voter concerns. Trump dismissed this advice on Truth Social, stating, “I don’t need to have Karl Rove of Fox News to tell me what to do.”
Trump has previously targeted other figures within Murdoch’s media empire, including Fox News’ pollster, whom he suggested be “investigated for election fraud” after unfavorable polling. He also criticized a Wall Street Journal reporter during a recent Air Force One trip, calling the publication a “rotten newspaper” that has “truly gone to hell.” The Journal, owned by Murdoch’s News Corp, has been critical of Trump’s economic policies and his administration’s first 100 days.
Despite these tensions, Fox News remains a key platform for Trump’s messaging to conservative audiences. The network’s prime-time hosts, particularly Hannity, continue to strongly support Trump’s agenda, though some daytime programs and journalists seek to maintain independent coverage.
Kurtz responded to Trump’s criticism on social media, stating, “I’ve known President Trump for 35 years, and if I hated him he wouldn’t keep giving me interviews.” He added that some individuals are “not interested in fairness,” indicating his view of his role as providing balanced coverage.
Fox News has not officially commented on Trump’s call for Kurtz’s retirement or the suggestion that Concha may take over “MediaBuzz.”
