President Donald Trump’s former adviser Peter Navarro has called on the Trump administration and its supporters to boycott Fox News, accusing the conservative network of undermining the president. Navarro made the remarks on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, arguing that Fox News has recently “revealed itself to be essentially undermining the Trump administration.”
Navarro’s comments coincided with the publication of an opinion piece he wrote for The Washington Times, in which he claimed the network suffers from “Trump derangement syndrome.” He cited Fox News’s decisions to part ways with journalist Maria Bartiromo and its coverage of the White House’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico journalists as evidence. In his op-ed, Navarro wrote, “Fox is not real news. It is CNN with better lighting, a fake slogan and a flag graphic. Stop watching its dangerous drivel.”
During his podcast appearance, Navarro also criticized Fox News for not broadcasting Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent speech in Greensboro, North Carolina, in its entirety and for what he characterized as anchor Sandra Smith’s dismissive comment explaining that decision. Navarro stated that Fox News is “much more dangerous to MAGA, much more dangerous to the Republican Party, because they wear our colors when they’re in fact helping the other side undermine the president.”
Despite Navarro’s criticisms, members of the Trump administration have continued to appear on Fox News. First lady Melania Trump was featured in an interview on “Fox & Friends” this week, where she discussed her husband’s work ethic. Meanwhile, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House press access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico while their lawsuit against the ban proceeds, deeming the ban likely unconstitutional. Journalists from these outlets reported being initially denied access on Thursday morning before the White House appeared to restore it following a request for an emergency hearing.