Fox News has scaled back its coverage of President Donald Trump's campaign rallies as the network's viewership declines sharply in the run-up to next week's midterm elections — a striking reversal from one of the president's most dependable media allies.

According to a new CNN analysis, the network, which once carried Trump's speeches in full, no longer does so as a matter of routine. The shift marks a significant about-face for a channel that long treated his appearances as must-see television.

The change coincides with new Nielsen figures showing that Fox lost 27 percent of its total-day audience in October compared with the same month last year, averaging 1.1 million viewers. Viewership among adults aged 25 to 54 — the demographic most prized by advertisers — fell 32 percent to just 98,000, the network's lowest figure in that age group in 25 years. The slide carries commercial weight as well: advertising rates in cable news are built around that age group, putting a 25-year low at the center of the network's revenue base.

Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, suggested the decline could signal something more troubling for Trump than an ordinary dip in television ratings. Speaking on CNN on Wednesday, Stelter cited growing disappointment among some of the president's supporters over his handling of issues including the Epstein files, the war in Iran and gasoline prices. That dissatisfaction, he argued, is beginning to surface in Fox's audience numbers, with some conservative viewers apparently opting to tune out rather than follow the latest political developments.

Stelter also flagged Fox's treatment of Trump's rallies. The network once showcased the events as major television attractions but now generally limits its coverage to selected moments — a notable departure from previous election cycles, when Trump could count on the channel to air lengthy speeches to an audience of conservative voters. That access mattered: in earlier cycles, the full broadcasts gave Trump an hours-long, unmediated line to the Republican base at the center of next week's vote.

The president has already voiced frustration over the reduced coverage, accusing Fox of neglecting his rallies and devoting too much airtime to Democratic candidates. He has urged supporters to watch the Right Side Broadcasting Network instead, while criticizing Fox for interviewing Democrats running for Congress.

Stelter highlighted another unusual development: Fox has been interviewing more Democratic Senate and gubernatorial candidates, which he suggested may reflect an effort to reach viewers beyond Trump's traditional Republican base.

Rivals gained ground in the meantime. MS NOW posted a 16 percent increase in total-day viewers compared with October 2025, while CNN recorded a 3 percent rise. Fox's weekday prime-time audience fell 28 percent to roughly 2 million viewers, though the network remains the most-watched cable news channel, drawing more viewers than CNN and MS NOW combined.

The timing of the losses is particularly uncomfortable for Republicans. Political coverage typically attracts greater attention ahead of major elections, but Fox is experiencing the opposite trend. Stelter suggested the unusual decline could offer an early indication of dissatisfaction among conservative voters ahead of the November 3 vote. The coming weeks supply clear markers: whether Fox returns to full rally broadcasts after Election Day, whether viewers follow Trump's redirect to the Right Side Broadcasting Network, and whether November's Nielsen figures extend October's slide or break it.