Despite airing a speech by Vice President Mike Pence on Monday, Fox News refused to broadcast former Pres. Donald Trump’s address at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) conference on Tuesday.
Despite the fact that the network skipped Trump’s address, Fox News aired former VP Mike Pence’s speech at the Young Americans’ Foundation’s national student conference less than 12 hours before Trump addressed the students.
The AFPI summit, that was organized by former high-ranking officials in his administration, was the first time that Donald Trump had been in Washington D.C. since Biden became president in January 2021.
The decision by Fox News not to broadcast Trump’s speech comes as Pence and Trump are increasingly divided in key political campaigns across the country. The pair held rallies on the same day in Arizona supporting their respective gubernatorial candidates, for example.
Furthermore, both Trump and Pence are considering a presidential election in 2024.
However, in his speech, Pence claimed that he does not see a division within the conservative movement.
In response to a inquiry about any alleged divide between him and Trump:
“I’m not so sure that our movement is that split. I’m not sure whether the president and I have different viewpoints on topics. But we may disagree on emphasis. I truly feel that all elections are about the future, and it’s critical at a time when so many people are hurting.”
After it was reported that Fox News would ignore Trump’s speech, many people on social media criticized the network for its decision.
“On today’s Fox News, Mike Pence’s speech was aired, but not President Trump’s. I won’t be watching Fox News ever again. This was the final straw that has broken the camel’s back for me.”
“It’s like Fox is cutting its ties with Trump,” another user remarked.
While Fox News “broadcast approximately six of the House Jan. 6 Committee hearings live,” according to MSNBC’s Ari Melber, it neglected to broadcast Trump’s AFPI address.
Fox News fell for Cassidy Hutchinson’s false testimony to the committee, which claimed Trump attempted to take control of the presidential Suburban during the Capitol riots.
Before his address in Washington D.C., Trump excoriated Fox News’ Fox and Friends program, calling it “gone to the ‘dark side.’”
“My poll numbers just got totally botched on @foxandfriends, no doubt on purpose. That program has been awful – it’s gone to the ‘dark side.’” Trump tweeted on TRUTH Social.
“RINO Paul Ryan, one of the worst and weakest Speakers EVER, must be running the show,” Trump concluded.
In his AFPI address, Trump stressed the importance of rule of law and border security.
“During the Democrat era, in Democratic cities, states, and a Democratic federal government, criminals have been given greater freedom than ever before. There’s never been a moment like this,” Trump declared during his address.
He also reiterated his demands for the death penalty for convicted drug traffickers.
