Fox News Cuts Off Trump’s Rant, Then Jokes About It On-Air
In a striking moment of live television, Fox News abruptly cut off former President Donald Trump during a phone-in interview following the Democratic National Convention. The interruption happened as Trump was mid-rant about border security and other grievances. The network’s anchors quickly transitioned to other coverage, leaving Trump to find another outlet for his comments, according to The Daily Beast.
Trump’s call came in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech, where he immediately sought to voice his frustrations. Over the course of about ten minutes, Trump raised his voice as he spoke about perceived “invasions” at both the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. He ended the call by offering surprising praise for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, two figures he had previously criticized. Trump remarked that Kennedy was “treated very unfairly by the Democrats” and hinted at an upcoming endorsement from Kennedy.
Throughout the call, Fox News anchor Bret Baier occasionally interjected with brief affirmations, signaling the impending end of the segment. As Trump continued to discuss Kennedy’s treatment within the Democratic Party, co-anchor Martha MacCallum chimed in to shift the conversation. The two hosts then simultaneously thanked Trump, with Baier adding, “We appreciate that live feedback.” Trump responded with a terse “Thank you very much,” before the broadcast was quickly handed off to Gutfeld!, where host Greg Gutfeld acknowledged the abrupt end to the conversation.
Gutfeld humorously remarked, “That wasn’t my fault, Donald Trump! He’s still talking, by the way,” poking fun at the situation. Undeterred, Trump soon found another platform in Newsmax, where he continued airing his grievances just minutes later.
Changing Dynamics in Media Coverage
The decision to cut off Trump mid-sentence, followed by Gutfeld’s light-hearted remarks, signals a potential shift in how Fox News handles the former president, particularly as the 2024 election cycle progresses. Once a stalwart of unwavering support, the network’s recent actions suggest a more complex relationship may be developing.
Trump’s decision to commend both Kennedy and Kemp marks a notable shift in his approach. Despite previous tensions, the former president’s praise could indicate a strategic move to widen his appeal as he prepares for another presidential run. Kennedy, known for his controversial positions, and Kemp, with whom Trump has had a strained relationship, represent two figures who could help Trump consolidate his base and appeal to a broader audience.
Implications for the Future
This incident may reflect broader changes within right-wing media, where the once unwavering support for Trump appears to be evolving. As Trump navigates various legal challenges and political hurdles, his relationship with media outlets like Fox News could become increasingly complex. Whether this moment marks a significant turning point or is simply an isolated incident remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Trump’s influence within the right-wing media landscape, though still substantial, may face new challenges as the 2024 election draws near.
