Trump Turns on Fox News as Democrats Sweep Congress and Elon Musk’s $445 Million Republican Gamble Falls Short

Donald Trump turned against Fox News following the November 3 midterm elections, blaming the conservative network for Republican losses that handed Democrats control of Congress. As results revealed major setbacks across the country, Trump attacked the network’s programming, polling, and decision to feature Democratic commentators during its election-night coverage.

Trump’s criticism intensified after Fox News featured former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio discussing the election results. «FoxNews bears responsibility for these losses by constantly and consistently putting on the Dumocrat opposition, and worse», Trump declared on Truth Social. His comments marked a public confrontation with a network frequently supportive of his administration.

The president also attacked Democratic commentator Jessica Tarlov, writing, «Watching the Pre-Election Results on Fox News, but I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov’s voice — DUMB AS A ROCK, but it’s the voice that gets me.» His personal criticism accompanied broader complaints about the network’s political analysis and election-night coverage.

Trump challenged Fox News anchor Bret Baier during the network’s election coverage, declaring, «You ought to get yourself a good pollster, because your pollsters are the worst.» Baier defended the network’s surveys, noting their consistency with the results. Trump had repeatedly criticized unfavorable polling throughout the campaign, questioning its accuracy.

Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, winning significant contests in traditionally Republican territory. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in a historic Senate race, while Gina Hinojosa unseated Governor Greg Abbott. Democratic victories in Kansas, Iowa, and South Carolina further illustrated the scale of Republican setbacks.

Despite urging supporters to treat the midterms as a referendum on his presidency, Trump rejected responsibility for the results. «I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!» he wrote on Truth Social. He also maintained, «I don’t view it as a hit on me.»

Elon Musk also faced significant political setbacks after reportedly spending approximately $445 million supporting Republicans during the election cycle. His contributions included substantial funding for America PAC and the Senate Leadership Fund. In September alone, Musk reportedly contributed $158 million to the latter organization, which backed Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.

Texas delivered particularly consequential setbacks for Musk, whose companies maintain substantial operations in the state. Paxton lost his Senate contest to Talarico, while Abbott was defeated by Hinojosa. The results raised questions about the effectiveness of Musk’s substantial political contributions and the limits of financial influence in competitive elections.

Reacting to the results early November 4, Musk published a sarcastic message on X: «Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn’t work this time 🤷‍♂️». The remark jokingly referenced election-interference allegations involving satellite technology rather than admitting actual wrongdoing. His response contrasted with Trump’s direct criticism of Fox News following the Republican defeats.

Approximately one minute before his space-lasers joke, Musk posted, «Data centers in space looking pretty appealing right now». His comment followed Hinojosa’s victory in Texas, where she had supported restrictions on AI data-center expansion. Such proposals could affect electricity-intensive infrastructure projects and companies operating major facilities across the state.

Democratic control of Congress could bring investigations into Trump’s administration, increased scrutiny of federal contracts, and obstacles to Republican legislation. Musk’s businesses could face additional congressional oversight, while Texas Democrats pursue different regulatory priorities. The results leave both men confronting political consequences despite their substantial influence and financial involvement.