The DSR Network The Daily Blast: As Trump Goes Truly Off Rails on Econ, Fox Quietly Bursts His Bubble
Mar 2, 2026
Matthew Gertz, a Media Matters senior fellow who studies right‑wing media, breaks down how conservative outlets are reacting to Trump’s economic claims. He discusses Fox figures quietly acknowledging bad inflation and growth data. He explores internal splits over tariffs, how messaging strains loyalty, and what that means for Republican prospects this fall.
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Fox Reporters Acknowledge Slower GDP Growth
- Fox sometimes labels weak GDP a 'bad miss' and links it to recent political events like the government shutdown.
- Lauren Simonetti called 1.4% Q4 growth a clear downgrade from prior quarter's 4.4% expansion.
Audience Differences Drive Fox Coverage Tension
- Fox News primetime is more staunchly pro-Trump while daytime and Fox Business cater to traditional business audiences.
- Gertz notes Fox daytime/business shows can't entirely ignore concrete business metrics or expert viewers.
Fox Hosts Warn Tariffs Risk GOP Midterm Losses
- Some Fox personalities warn tariffs could cost Republicans seats by raising consumer prices.
- Brian Kilmeade warned higher prices at stores from tariffs could jeopardize GOP control of Congress.