Even Fox & Friends thinks Trump listens to the media too much


President Trump's favorite morning show hosts think he listens way too much to people like them.
On Fox & Friends Monday morning, host Brian Kilmeade argued that Trump "cares way too much about people in the media," noting that the president is "not a candidate" and has "got to make some tough decisions," The Washington Post reports. The hosts had been discussing a back-and-forth between Trump and conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who had slammed him as the "biggest wimp ever to serve as president" after he agreed to re-open the government without receiving the $5.7 billion he has demanded for border wall funding. Trump didn't take kindly to Coulter's comments, saying in a Wall Street Journal interview, "I hear she's become very hostile. Maybe I didn't return her phone call or something."
Trump, of course, may have actually heard Kilmeade's plea Monday morning considering he's known to be a huge fan of Fox & Friends, and the show on many occasions has inspired early morning tweets of his. The hosts generally provide him with favorable coverage, although Kilmeade will break from the president every now and again, like when he called a possible national emergency declaration a "disaster." Kilmeade would apparently prefer, though, that media criticism like this not factor into the decisions Trump makes.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But with Trump having evidently been highly tuned into what pundits thought of his shutdown decision, going after some individual Fox News correspondents for their responses, it seems unlikely the president will heed Kilmeade's advice anytime soon.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The genetic secrets of South Korea's female free-divers
Under The Radar Unique physiology of 'real-life mermaid' haenyeo women could help treat chronic diseases
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brand
Feature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
Unraveling autism
Feature RFK Jr. has vowed to find the root cause of the 'autism epidemic' in months. Scientists have doubts.
-
Laurence Fox suspended by GB News after 'unacceptable' Ava Evans comments
Speed Read Broadcaster issues apology after actor goes on a tirade during a live interview with Dan Wootton
-
Fox News apologizes to Gold Star family for false story Marine Corps called 'disgusting'
Speed Read
-
Tucker Carlson Tonight is being replaced by Fox News Tonight
Speed Read
-
Judge delays Fox News-Dominion defamation trial start, reportedly to allow settlement talks
Speed Read
-
Judge orders Dominion lawsuit against Fox News to go to trial
Speed Read
-
Fox News seeks gag order for producer who claims she was coerced to mislead in Dominion deposition
Speed Read
-
Lawsuit documents: After 2020 election, Tucker Carlson said he hates Trump 'passionately'
Speed Read
-
Rupert Murdoch gave Jared Kushner 'confidential information' on Biden ads, debate strategy, Dominion says
Speed Read