In a revealing moment during a rare sit-down with The New York Times, President Donald Trump paused the conversation to answer a phone call from Fox News. The incident, detailed by the Times reporters present, unfolded in the Oval Office and highlighted the President's well-known media preferences.
A Phone Call That Said It All
The call came from Bret Baier, Fox News's chief political anchor and the host of Special Report. President Trump answered the phone in front of the journalists, informed Baier he was speaking with The New York Times, and promised to call back later. The exchange was brief but telling.
During this short conversation, Trump remarked to Baier that he had agreed to an interview with the Times, adding, "Can you believe it?" before hanging up. This moment was captured by the Times as part of its detailed description of the scene inside the presidential office.
Multiple Interruptions Mark Lengthy Interview
The Fox News call was just one of several interruptions during the nearly two-hour meeting. In another instance, the interview was temporarily halted when President Trump took a separate phone call from Gustavo Petro, the Colombian leader. For this conversation, Trump spoke privately.
Throughout the wide-ranging discussion, which touched on foreign policy, immigration, artificial intelligence, and the President's health, reporters noted that Trump continued to field phone calls and issue directions to his aides while the interview was underway.
A Tale of Two Media Relationships
The incident underscores President Trump's long-standing and well-documented relationship with Fox News. He has appeared on the channel frequently for years, regularly grants interviews to its hosts, and has often praised the network. Fox News has served as a key platform for him to communicate directly with his supporters.
By sharp contrast, Trump has a history of frequent criticism aimed at The New York Times, accusing the publication of unfair and hostile coverage. This Oval Office interview marked one of his rare extended engagements with the outlet since returning to the White House for a second term.
The dynamic on display—taking a call from a favoured network in the middle of an interview with a frequently criticised newspaper—visibly illustrated the complex media landscape of the Trump presidency.
