On Wednesday, September 11, Donald Trump initiated a strong critique of Neil Cavuto, the Fox Business Network host. This followed Cavuto’s negative review of Trump’s performance in the September 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. Speaking on his show “Cavuto: Coast to Coast,” Cavuto expressed that Trump had “decisively lost” the debate.
Engaging in a discussion with Bob Cusack, editor-in-chief of “The Hill,” Cavuto did not hold back his thoughts regarding Trump’s performance during his interaction with Harris. “He had six prior presidential debates to this one,” Cavuto remarked. “But this one, at least in my liking—and you’re the expert here—he decisively lost it. He might have made some very good presentations on where the economy was, but it was all over the map.”
Cavuto went on to portray Trump’s debate performance as a significant loss instead of a minor setback. “This was that first occasion where it wasn’t just a close call,” Cavuto said. “It was a lopsided one.”
Several polls endorsed Cavuto’s remarks, showing that most viewers thought Harris had won the debate. A CNN flash poll revealed that 63% of viewers believed Harris had outshined Trump, with only 37% in favor of Trump.
Trump, notorious for his assertive responses, did not remain silent regarding Cavuto’s comments. On his Truth Social platform, Trump retorted by labeling Cavuto as “Fox’s Lowest Rated Anchor” and “one of the WORST on Television.” He added, “I actually prefer the losers at CNN and MSDNC!”
Post-debate polls mirrored Cavuto’s evaluation. A YouGov poll indicated that 54% of registered voters believed Harris had won the debate, while only 31% supported Trump. During the debate, Trump disseminated unsubstantiated claims about subjects such as immigration and his opposition to what he called the “execution” of babies after birth, which likely further distanced some voters.
Despite the negative feedback, Trump’s advocates responded in his defense, referring to alternative polls. In a Truth Social post, Trump underscored unscientific surveys run on platforms like X and Newsmax, where 93% of respondents believed he won the debate. Trump utilized these polls to state that Harris was interested in another debate solely because “she lost so badly.”
While Cavuto and other political commentators criticized Trump’s performance, consensus was lacking on whether the debate would impact the election significantly. A Reuters/Ipsos poll suggested that although Harris held a minor lead over Trump in the presidential race, the debate did not greatly alter most voters’ opinions. Reportedly, 82% of those surveyed stated the debate did not change their presidential choice.
The conflict between Trump and Cavuto is not a recent development. The two have a long history of public disputes, with Trump previously referring to Cavuto as “garbage” following the anchor’s repeated criticisms of him. This latest episode further intensifies the divide between Trump and certain elements of the conservative media, who have begun distancing themselves from the former president’s rhetoric.
As the dust settles from this recent conflict, it remains unclear whether Trump will agree to a second debate with Harris or maintain his assertion that he won the first one. For now, Trump’s reaction to Cavuto continues to make news, with his supporters defending his performance, even as more objective polls suggest a contrasting story.
