In a striking segment on Fox News' "The Five" this Monday, host Greg Gutfeld delivered a deadpan defense of President Donald Trump, challenging the widespread portrayal of him as a narcissist fixated on his approval ratings. Gutfeld's comments came in response to colleague Charles Hurt's assertion that Trump uniquely spends political capital on matters beyond his own reelection.
Gutfeld's Contrarian Take on Trump's Polling Concerns
"Yeah," Gutfeld affirmed, "[he's] the complete opposite of how he's painted as this narcissist who is worried about his poll numbers when in fact all he's trying to do is build capital so he can spend it." This perspective positioned Trump not as self-absorbed but as a calculated strategist, a notion that immediately drew skepticism from within the show's own panel.
Liberal Co-Host's Stunned Reaction
Jessica Tarlov, the program's resident liberal voice, was visibly taken aback. "Not worried about his poll numbers?" she retorted incredulously. "He says everything is fake!" Gutfeld doubled down, claiming, "When they're low, he's like, eh, whatever. It doesn't bother him." Tarlov's bewildered expression, captured on camera, spoke volumes as the segment transitioned, highlighting the stark divide in interpretations of Trump's behavior.
The Irony of Trump's Own Polling Complaints
This exchange epitomized what many critics label as gaslighting, especially given Trump's recent grievances on the same network. Just days prior, the president had vented about Fox News' polling, which showed an unflattering approval rating consistent with other outlets. "I hate Fox polls," Trump declared. "Honestly, whoever does your polls are terrible." He accused Tarlov of disseminating "fake" results and insisted he was "polling very high actually," echoing past outbursts when the conservative network's findings displeased him.
Political Context and Midterm Implications
Amid escalating tensions with Iran and persistent inflation, Trump's approval ratings remain deeply underwater. However, "The Five" co-host Dana Perino suggested earlier that the president might not be heavily invested in the political fallout. She noted that if his "tough" decisions on Iran impact the upcoming midterms, Trump could be relatively unconcerned, as he is not seeking reelection. "I don't know what political price he could possibly pay," Perino mused. "He's not running for president again. If it is the midterms, I don't know if he cares that much."
Perino elaborated that Trump likely understands the historical challenges Republicans face in retaining control, implying that political consequences may not weigh heavily on his decision-making. This analysis comes as Democrats appear poised to retake the House and potentially the Senate, adding urgency to the debate over Trump's motivations and the authenticity of his polling dismissals.
