Trump Calls Fox Guest a ‘Loser’ After Harsh Economy Forecast

Donald Trump erupted online after Fox News aired a harsh interview with financier Peter Schiff. The president took to Truth Social to call out the network and the guest in no uncertain terms.

“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,” Trump wrote. “Either the show made a mistake, or it is heading in a different direction.”

Trump also singled out the segment producer with a short and angry note: “Check out the ‘booker’ who put this jerk on!” The post made clear he saw the appearance as a betrayal by friendly faces on cable television.

On Fox, Schiff was blunt about the economy and polite optimism was in short supply. “I think that the inflation rate is going to accelerate as Trump’s term progresses. And, you know, the policies continue to impact pricing,” he said during the interview.

Host Griff Jenkins pushed back with a softer view, pointing to rising wages as a small bright spot and noting a possible reset in housing for younger buyers. Schiff answered in the same tone he uses on market calls. “Unfortunately, it’s not going to get better for a long time.”

That blunt assessment did not sit well with Trump, but Schiff did not back down. On X he 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 challenge raised the stakes from an angry post to a public call for answers. Trump could accept, ignore, or send a surrogate. For now he chose to amplify his complaint and question Fox’s loyalty instead of taking the stage.

The debate over prices matters because many voters feel the squeeze. A recent Reuters Ipsos poll found only 26 % of people say Trump is doing a good job managing the cost of living. That number helps explain why sharp comments from independents and some Republicans get noticed.

The exchange also shows a new strain in old alliances. Fox has long been a safe place for Trump friendly voices. When one of those guests turns critical on air it makes the argument louder and a bit more public.

If the back and forth leads to a debate it will be a rare public test of competing claims about the economy. If it does not, the scene still makes the same point: the argument over who is right about prices is now center stage and likely to stay there.

Featured image via X screengrab