In a stunning departure from its long-standing alignment with former President Donald Trump, Fox News, the conservative media giant, has signaled a fracture in its relationship with the Republican figurehead and his ally, Pam Bondi, Florida’s former Attorney General. The shift, marked by sharp criticism aired on the network, reflects growing tensions within the conservative media ecosystem as Trump’s influence faces new scrutiny ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This development, first highlighted in a viral YouTube segment titled “BOOM: Fox News LOSES Patience — Finally Turns on Trump & Pam Bondi,” has sparked widespread discussion about the future of Trump’s grip on the Republican Party and the role of conservative media in shaping political narratives.

A Pivot from Loyalty

For nearly a decade, Fox News has been a steadfast supporter of Donald Trump, providing a platform for his rhetoric and amplifying his political agenda. From his 2016 presidential campaign to his post-presidency ventures, the network’s prime-time hosts—figures like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Tucker Carlson (before his departure)—consistently defended Trump against critics, framing him as a victim of establishment conspiracies. Pam Bondi, a vocal Trump ally and frequent Fox News guest, similarly benefited from the network’s favorable coverage, often touted as a potential candidate for high-profile roles, including a speculated run for governor or a return to Trump’s inner circle.

However, recent broadcasts suggest a seismic shift. On a recent episode of The Five, co-host Jesse Watters openly questioned Trump’s decision-making, particularly his continued endorsement of controversial figures like Bondi, whose tenure as Florida’s Attorney General was marred by allegations of ethical lapses. Watters’ remarks, echoed by fellow host Dana Perino, pointed to Bondi’s 2013 decision to decline joining a multistate lawsuit against Trump University after receiving a $25,000 campaign donation from Trump’s foundation. “It’s hard to defend that kind of optics,” Perino stated, a rare critique from a network that has historically downplayed such controversies.

The YouTube video, posted by a political commentary channel, captures these moments, splicing them with clips of other Fox News personalities expressing exasperation. Greg Gutfeld, known for his irreverent humor, quipped, “Trump’s loyalty to certain people is starting to look like a liability, not an asset.” The video, which has garnered over 500,000 views since its upload on April 15, 2025, frames these comments as evidence of Fox News “finally turning” on Trump and Bondi, a narrative that resonates with viewers disillusioned by the network’s previous unwavering support.

The Catalysts for Change

Several factors appear to have precipitated this shift. First, Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, while still significant, has shown signs of waning. Recent polling from Rasmussen Reports indicates that only 62% of Republican voters view Trump as the party’s best leader, down from 78% in 2022. The emergence of younger, media-savvy figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator J.D. Vance has created a crowded field of conservative voices, many of whom appeal to the same base without Trump’s polarizing baggage. Fox News, attuned to its audience’s evolving preferences, may be recalibrating its coverage to reflect this reality.

Second, Pam Bondi’s recent actions have drawn scrutiny that even Fox News appears unwilling to ignore. In March 2025, Bondi announced her intention to run for Florida governor in 2026, positioning herself as a Trump-style populist. However, her campaign has been plagued by resurfaced allegations of corruption, including her ties to Trump’s now-defunct charitable foundation. A New York Times investigation published on April 10, 2025, detailed how Bondi’s office received complaints about Trump University but took no action, a decision critics attribute to political favoritism. Fox News contributors, once quick to dismiss such stories as “fake news,” have instead begun to address them head-on, with host Neil Cavuto noting, “These are questions Bondi will have to answer if she wants to lead.”

Third, internal dynamics at Fox News may be driving the pivot. The network’s $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023, stemming from false election fraud claims, forced a reckoning with its editorial practices. Sources within the network, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, suggest that executives are wary of tying the brand too closely to Trump, whose legal battles—ranging from defamation suits to ongoing investigations into his business dealings—pose reputational risks. “The Murdoch family is hedging its bets,” said one insider, referring to the network’s owners. “They see the writing on the wall.”

The Broader Conservative Media Landscape

Fox News’ shift occurs against a backdrop of fragmentation in conservative media. Outlets like Newsmax and One America News Network (OANN) continue to cater to Trump’s base, often accusing Fox of “going woke” when it deviates from hardline support. Social media platforms, particularly X, amplify these sentiments, with posts trending on April 18, 2025, claiming Fox News is “betraying the MAGA movement.” Yet, Fox remains the dominant player, with Nielsen ratings showing it averaged 2.3 million prime-time viewers in Q1 2025, far surpassing its rivals. This market dominance gives Fox the leverage to experiment with its editorial stance without risking its core audience.

The YouTube video underscores this tension, juxtaposing Fox’s recent critiques with clips of Trump rallies where supporters chant against the media, including Fox. The video’s narrator argues that Fox’s pivot is a calculated move to appeal to a broader conservative audience, including moderates alienated by Trump’s rhetoric. “Fox knows the GOP is bigger than one man,” the narrator states, a sentiment echoed by political analysts. “The network is trying to future-proof itself,” said Sarah Ellison, a media reporter for The Washington Post, in an April 17, 2025, podcast. “Trump’s legal and political liabilities are piling up, and Fox doesn’t want to sink with the ship.”

Implications for Trump and Bondi

For Trump, Fox News’ shift is a significant blow. The network has long served as his megaphone, shaping public opinion among conservative voters. Without its full-throated support, Trump may struggle to maintain his dominance in the Republican primary landscape, especially as rivals leverage their own media platforms. DeSantis, for instance, has cultivated a strong presence on X, where his posts regularly garner millions of impressions, according to analytics from Sprout Social.

Bondi faces even steeper challenges. Her gubernatorial campaign relies heavily on name recognition and Trump’s endorsement, but Fox’s cooling support could erode her credibility among conservative voters. Political strategist Ana Navarro, a frequent CNN contributor, tweeted on April 16, 2025, “Pam Bondi’s campaign is DOA if Fox keeps hammering her on ethics. Trump can’t save her now.” While Bondi has dismissed the criticism as “liberal attacks,” her team has yet to address the substance of the allegations, a silence that may prove costly.