Donald Trump attacks Fox News as rural support for Republicans weakens

Donald Trump launched a public attack against Fox News on October 19, accusing the television network of spending more time defending Democrats than broadcasting Republican viewpoints. The Daily Mail reported that the outburst occurred on Monday morning as the former president prepared to travel to Wichita, Kansas, for a campaign rally to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. [2]

The campaign trip comes as new polling data shows Republican support declining in rural areas. Fox News reported that just under half of rural voters now say they will support the Republican Party in November, down from nearly two-thirds who voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Rising cost of living, rising unemployment, and artificial intelligence data centers are changing the political landscape in heartland states, according to Fox News. [1]

The United States Senate election in Kansas will take place on November 3, 2026. Republican incumbent Roger Marshall is seeking a second term in office and is facing a challenge from Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton. [8]

The shift in rural voter sentiment presents challenges for the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming elections. Fox News reported that nineteen percent of rural voters identified the rising cost of living as their primary concern. [1]