Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Fox News, calling into question the broadcaster’s editorial direction following a fiery social media post on Truth Social.
The 79 year old took to his platform to slam Fox News after the channel gave airtime to Peter Schiff, who delivered a blistering critique of Trump’s economic policies. During his appearance on the 6 December broadcast of Fox and Friends, Schiff declared, “I think that the inflation rate is going to accelerate as Trump’s term progresses. And, you know, the policies continue to impact pricing.”
Presenter Griff Jenkins sought to inject some positivity into the discussion, suggesting to the economist that rising wages offered a “silver lining”, whilst raising the prospect of a housing market downturn that might benefit younger buyers. However, Schiff remained unconvinced, cautioning audiences, “Unfortunately, it’s not going to get better for a long time.”
Following the broadcast, Trump unleashed his anger at Fox News over their decision to feature Schiff, writing on Truth Social, “Why would Fox and Friends Weekend (of all things? ) put on a ‘Stockbroker’ named Peter Schiff, a Trump hating loser who has already proven to be wrong.”
He continued, “Either the show made a mistake, or it is heading in a different direction,” before insisting that contrary to Schiff’s assertions about rising costs, prices are in fact “coming down substantially.”
However, the latest figures paint a different picture, with grocery prices climbing by 3.1% over the past year. Trump ended his rant by demanding that Fox News look into the person who had invited Schiff onto the show, declaring, “Check out the ‘booker’ who put this jerk on.”
Schiff, however, was not about to let Trump’s remarks slide and fired back on X, challenging the president to refute his economic analysis.
In a social media post made several hours after the broadcast, the economist wrote, “Since Pres. Trump called me a jerk and a loser for claiming that prices are still rising when he insists they’re coming way down. I challenge him, or his designee, to a debate on the U.S. economy and the efficacy of his policies. If I’m as wrong as he says I am, let him prove it.”
The televised clash sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with many viewers siding with Schiff.
One user replied to Schiff’s post, saying, “100%. I voted for the guy, but you are right on this one,” while another commented, “Congrats, Peter. You’ve hit the radar, which means your voice is being impactful and moving the needle. Trump doesn’t waste time hunting down people who aren’t acutely threatening to him.”
On the other hand, some staunch Trump supporters dismissed Schiff, arguing that the president wouldn’t “waste” his time engaging in a debate with the economist.
“He ain’t debating you, Schiff, your reputation precedes you (not in a good way),” one user commented, while another quipped, “Bro. Now you’re challenging the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to a debate. I PROMISE you are not as important as you’d like to be.”
