WASHINGTON, November 5, 2026 — President Donald Trump’s relationship with major media networks is facing a new test after the midterm elections, where Democrats won strong majorities in both the House and Senate. Trump blamed Fox News for the Republican losses, even as the network’s hosts went easy on him.
Background And History
Trump’s history with the media has been tumultuous, to say the least. As a reality TV star, he hosted The Apprentice from 2004 to 2015, bolstering his reputation as a wealthy tycoon. However, as president, he has had a contentious relationship with the press, often accusing them of being biased against him. His first term was marked by cozy relationships with authoritarian foreign leaders and a penchant for using social media to bypass traditional media outlets.
Media Landscape Shifts
The midterm elections have reshaped the media landscape for Trump. With Democrats in control of Congress, the president faces a hostile press landscape without the electoral leverage he once had. Fox News, a network that has been largely supportive of Trump, is now facing blame from the president for the Republican losses. This friction is evident in the fact that Trump told reporters that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is “doing a very good job,” despite speculation that Hegseth’s future in the role is uncertain.
Hostile Congressional Oversight
The new congressional arithmetic points to a difficult road ahead for Trump. Democrats will control the committees, the subpoenas, and largely the purse, giving them significant oversight power. Trump says he will work with them, but veto what he opposes. This sets the stage for a contentious relationship between the president and the media, with Congress playing a significant role in shaping the narrative.
Historical Pattern Continues
Trump’s media strategy has always been marked by a willingness to use aggressive and unconventional tactics. His refusal to concede defeat in the 2020 election and his attempts to overturn the result are a testament to this approach. The current situation is no different, with Trump facing a hostile press landscape and a Congress that is newly empowered to say no. According to Newsweek, Hegseth’s value to Trump may have actually increased despite the midterm losses, as the president seeks to maintain control of the military and pursue his agenda without electoral constraints.
Reactions And What Comes Next
The reaction from the left has been jubilant, with far-left streamer Hasan Piker declaring “woke is back” and fantasizing about putting Trump in prison. Piker’s livestream on Twitch drew over 200,000 viewers, and his comments reflect the mood of many on the left who see the midterm results as a repudiation of Trump’s agenda. As the president navigates this new landscape, it remains to be seen how his relationship with major media networks will evolve. One thing is certain, however: Trump will continue to be a dominant force in American politics, and his media strategy will be closely watched. By nightfall, the shape of this new landscape will become clearer, but for now, Trump’s next move is anyone’s guess. “Trumpism is dying,” Piker told his audience, “and I could not feel any better.”
Sources
- Donald Trump
- Trump asking advisers if Hegseth should stay after midterm losses, sources say
- Donald J. Trump News
- Why Pete Hegseth just became more valuable to Donald Trump
- Donald Trump told us diversity is bad for America. Voters disagreed. – The Boston Globe
- Hasan Piker declares 'woke is back,' fantasizes about putting Donald Trump in prison
Photo: Joyce Boghosian (Public domain (US government work))
