Fox News is facing a substantial decline in television viewership ahead of the November midterm elections, with reported October 2026 ratings showing double-digit drops across its overall audience and the key advertising demographic of adults ages 25 to 54.

According to Nielsen figures cited in the report, Fox News averaged approximately 1.1 million total-day viewers in October, a 27% decrease from the same month last year. Among adults ages 25 to 54, the network's average audience fell 32% to approximately 98,000, reportedly marking its weakest performance in that demographic in roughly 25 years.

The declines also extended into prime time, traditionally a central part of Fox News' programming lineup. The network averaged approximately 2 million prime-time viewers, down 28% year over year. Its prime-time audience among adults ages 25 to 54 dropped 36%, reaching an average of approximately 183,000.

The network's flagship morning program, "Fox & Friends," also averaged fewer than 1 million viewers for the second consecutive month, according to the reported figures.

The ratings declines come as President Donald Trump has become increasingly vocal in criticizing Fox News, accusing the network of giving Democrats excessive airtime while failing to provide sufficient coverage of Republican candidates and the MAGA movement.

"FoxNews is spending far too much time putting on the OPPONENTS of Republican Party Candidates," Trump wrote on Truth Social. In a separate post, he complained that Fox was "promoting the Dumocrats, not the Republicans and MAGA," adding that the network had "totally lost their way!"

Trump has also argued that Fox's coverage could have political consequences for Republicans heading into the midterms. He has encouraged supporters to consider alternative conservative outlets, including Newsmax.

The dispute has drawn in other figures within the administration. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has publicly urged conservatives to stop watching Fox News, describing the network as "RINO TV every day."

Questions about Fox's direction have also emerged following a report by CNN that some people within the network believe Trump's ability to attract television viewers has weakened. One Fox host reportedly told CNN, "Trump doesn't rate anymore."

CNN also reported that the Murdoch family, which controls Fox's parent company, is looking toward a political landscape beyond Trump's presidency and the 2028 presidential election. The report said the network has moved away from carrying some of the president's live events and campaign rallies.

Fox Corp.'s political contributions have added another point of contention. Federal Election Commission records cited in the report identify at least $268,500 in contributions to Democratic candidates and political committees during the current election cycle.

Recipients reportedly include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who received $2,500, and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who received $1,000. Other Democratic lawmakers listed include Reps. Ted Lieu, Pete Aguilar, Madeleine Dean and Gregory Meeks.

The reported contributions also include $50,000 to the California Democratic Party, $30,000 each to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and $10,000 apiece to the Congressional Black Caucus PAC and CHC Bold PAC. The New Democrat Coalition Action Fund also received $10,000.

The reported $268,500 figure covers contributions identified in FEC records and does not account for political spending through organizations that are not required to publicly disclose their donors.

Fox's September removal of longtime host Maria Bartiromo further intensified criticism from Trump and his supporters. Trump praised Bartiromo as "a total professional, and a true warrior," while warning that her viewers would be unhappy with the decision.

Navarro also criticized Fox News leadership over Bartiromo's departure, directly targeting CEO Suzanne Scott and accusing the network's executives of pushing out a prominent pro-Trump voice.

The ratings figures, political contributions, and public criticism have converged at a consequential moment for Fox News, as the network faces questions about its audience, its programming direction, and its relationship with conservative viewers ahead of the midterm elections.