Inside the growing concern over Donald Trump’s deep reliance on Fox News for strategy and validation.

October 18, 2025: Former aides to Donald Trump are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the former president’s unwavering dependence on Fox News, describing it as “scary” and “unhealthy.” According to insiders close to his 2024 campaign team, Trump is said to be so heavily influenced by the network’s coverage that it often shapes his political decisions and public messaging.

Trump’s Fox Obsession Deepens

Sources familiar with Trump’s daily routine claim that he still spends hours consuming Fox News, with his mood and political strategy fluctuating based on the network’s tone. “He reacts in real-time to what’s being said on Fox,” one former aide revealed. “If a host criticizes him, he’s furious. If they praise him, he’ll echo their talking points moments later.”

Trump’s fixation on Fox reportedly began during his presidency and intensified after leaving office. Despite tensions with some of the network’s top figures, including anchor Bret Baier, Trump continues to regard Fox as his “unofficial campaign headquarters.”

Campaign Strategy Under Media Influence

Those close to the campaign suggest that Trump’s increasing reliance on Fox News has affected key strategic decisions, sometimes sidelining advisers who disagree with the network’s narratives. One insider described the situation as “Fox writes the headlines, and Trump builds the rally speeches around them.”

Campaign staffers have also expressed frustration that critical policy briefings are often replaced by discussions about Fox segments or guest appearances. “If it’s not on Fox, it doesn’t matter to him,” said another source.

Concerns Grow Within Inner Circle

Some of Trump’s aides and allies reportedly see his dependency on Fox News as a liability heading into 2024. They fear it narrows his perspective and alienates voters who don’t share the network’s viewpoints. “It’s like he’s trapped in an echo chamber,” one aide commented. “Fox isn’t just influencing his image—it’s controlling his reality.”

While Trump continues to publicly praise Fox hosts who support him, insiders say his inner circle is quietly urging him to diversify his media intake and focus more on direct voter engagement rather than reactive messaging.