President Donald Trump took aim at Fox News on Wednesday, accusing the network of giving undue attention to California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer while urging support for Republican contender Steve Hilton.
In a sharply worded Truth Social post, Trump blasted the network for what he described as “promoting” Steyer, a Democrat he labeled in harsh terms, while failing to focus on Republican candidates. The president argued that such coverage could inadvertently boost Steyer’s chances in a state where Republicans already face an uphill battle.
“Why is FoxNews showing” Steyer, Trump wrote, questioning why the network would spotlight a Democrat “instead of talking about Republican Candidates” like Hilton, whom he has endorsed to succeed Gavin Newsom.
Trump went further, suggesting that media coverage plays a decisive role in shaping election outcomes, particularly in California. He pointed to concerns about mail-in voting and what he described as “rigged elections,” arguing that Republican candidates are at a disadvantage when media outlets highlight their opponents.
The president’s call to action was clear: “Vote for Steve Hilton, and turn California around,” he wrote, framing the race as a critical opportunity for political change in the state.
Yet the timing and substance of Trump’s criticism raised some eyebrows. His post came shortly after Fox News had actually featured Hilton himself in an interview, offering the Republican candidate a platform to discuss his campaign. During that segment, Hilton spoke at length about his positions and took aim at Steyer’s policies.
Contrary to Trump’s claims of a “big piece” promoting Steyer, the network’s coverage on Wednesday appeared more limited and contextual. Steyer was mentioned during programming, but primarily in discussions about his fundraising totals, policy proposals, and standing in the polls compared to other candidates.
One moment that may have sparked Trump’s reaction came during an interview between Hilton and Fox News host Harris Faulkner. During the segment, Faulkner referenced Steyer’s positions on immigration, including his opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while a graphic displayed elements of Steyer’s policy plan. She also noted that Steyer had spent $120 million in the race.
Hilton used the opportunity to criticize his opponent, arguing that Steyer’s proposals represented what he called “far-left extremism” and likening them to policies he associated with previous administrations.
The exchange highlights a broader tension within conservative media and political circles, where questions about coverage, messaging, and strategy often come to the forefront during high-stakes elections. While Trump’s frustration underscores concerns about media influence, the episode also reflects the reality that even sympathetic outlets may cover multiple candidates as part of standard political reporting.
As the California race unfolds, the clash serves as a reminder that messaging battles are not limited to opposing parties. They can just as easily play out within allied spaces, where differing expectations about coverage and emphasis can quickly become points of contention.
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