In a moment that could make even the most seasoned political cynic do a double-take, Karl Rove—the architect of George W. Bush’s presidency and a man not exactly known for his progressive leanings—took to Fox News to deliver a scathing critique of Donald Trump’s current standing. Rove declared that Trump is in “very bad shape” with the American public, citing a Fox News poll showing only 38% approval of Trump’s economic policies. He highlighted that 54% of respondents believe Trump’s tariffs are harming the economy in the short term, with 51% thinking the damage will persist long-term.

Rove didn’t stop there. He criticized the administration’s chaotic communication and lack of clear policy direction, suggesting that the public’s disillusionment stems from a “frenzied pace and lack of focus.” He also pointed out that Trump’s failure to visit the Southern border after implementing strict immigration measures undermines his credibility on the issue.

Rove’s comments came after host Paul Gigot, editor of The Wall Street Journal‘s editorial page, observed that a new Fox News poll demonstrated that only 38% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance on the economy and even fewer approve of his handling of inflation and tariffs and asked Rove to weigh in.

“Well, he’s [Trump] off to a good start only on one issue, and that is border security, where his approval rating is 11 points ahead of his overall approval rating. He gets reasonably good marks on immigration and handling of deportations, but even those he’s upside down on,” replied Rove. “But you’re right, Paul. When it gets to the economy, he is in very bad shape. And it’s not only that he’s in the short term in bad shape, there’s also evidence in the poll that no matter-, even if he gets his way on certain things like tariffs, that he’s not good in the long run. Take a look at this: Trump policies, today, will it help the economy? 32% say yes. Will it hurt the economy, his policies? 54% say no, 10% no difference. In the long-run, will help the country? 40%. In the longer run, will hurt it the country? 51%. So, there’s some very deep-seated skepticism among ordinary Americans about the effect of the economy, the president’s economic policies, both in the short run and the long run.”

This isn’t the first time Rove has voiced concerns about Trump’s leadership. In a recent Wall Street Journal column, he warned of “Trump fatigue,” noting that many Americans are already exhausted by the administration’s constant turmoil. Rove emphasized that the administration’s reliance on executive orders over legislation makes its policies vulnerable to reversal and contributes to a sense of instability.

Trump, never one to take criticism lightly, has previously lashed out at Rove, calling him a “pompous fool with bad advice” and urging Fox News to fire him.

As the administration continues to navigate economic challenges and internal dissent, Rove’s comments underscore a growing concern within the Republican Party about the direction of Trump’s leadership and its impact on the nation’s well-being.

Karl Rove Absolutely Destroys Trump in Scathing Fox News Segment, 'He Is in Very Bad Shape' pic.twitter.com/JOCv9pOs15

— Nicole Hickman James (@nicolejames) April 28, 2025