The latest FOX News bitch fest between Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, and Kayleigh McEnany.
Jessica Tarlov: “All Republicans that voted to confirm [RFK Jr.] who are saying we are denying people vaccines.”
Jesse Watters: “What vaccines has he denied someone?”
Jessica Tarlov: “Covid-19.”
Jesse Watters: “To who? Who can’t get a Covid-19 shot?”
Jessica Tarlov: “To Erick Erickson’s wife, to begin. And Bill Cassidy used — ”
Jesse Watters: “Wait a second. You mean you can’t walk into your doctor’s office and get a Covid-19 shot?”
Jessica Tarlov: “No you can’t! Why don’t you ever prepare?! Why don’t you prepare? Kathy Hochul had to do an emergency — ”
Jesse Watters: “Is this true?”
Kayleigh McEnany: “No, it’s not true.”
Jessica Tarlov: “It is true, Kayleigh. Stop!”
So, WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH????
Jessica Tarlov is not lying in that exchange—she is accurately describing real events and complaints from 2025, though the situation involves policy changes, supply/availability issues, and bureaucratic confusion rather than a total nationwide ban on COVID-19 vaccines.
The Core Claim: Conservative radio host, Erick Erickson publicly stated in late August 2025 that his wife (who has Stage 4 lung cancer, making her high-risk) went to CVS and could not get the COVID-19 vaccine.
He blamed the “current mess at HHS” under RFK Jr. (then newly confirmed as HHS Secretary). He linked it to a New York Times report about CVS pausing or limiting COVID vaccines in multiple states due to federal policy shifts, supply issues, and changed recommendations.
This incident was widely reported and directly cited by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA, a physician who voted to confirm RFK Jr.) during a contentious September 2025 Senate hearing. Cassidy argued that RFK Jr.’s changes were “effectively denying people vaccines” and read Erickson’s post into the record. Erickson doubled down afterward, saying his wife “literally went to get the vaccine and CVS could not give it to her.”
Tarlov’s reference to “Erick Erickson’s wife” is factually correct and was a prominent, real-world example used even by Republicans critical of RFK Jr.’s approach.
Broader Context: What Changed Under RFK Jr.?
After RFK Jr. took over HHS/CDC influence in 2025, the FDA and CDC shifted 2025–2026 COVID vaccine guidance toward “individual-based decision-making” (shared clinical decision-making), with stronger emphasis on high-risk groups (e.g., age 65+, immunocompromised, certain underlying conditions like cancer).
This led to some pharmacies (like CVS in certain states) limiting or delaying distribution due to updated federal recommendations, liability concerns, and supply chain adjustments.
Confusion among providers about who qualifies without extra steps (e.g., prescriptions or attestation of risk factors).
Reports of access problems, especially at retail pharmacies for people who didn’t clearly fit the narrowed high-risk criteria or in areas affected by the rollout.
RFK Jr. and supporters argued vaccines remained available to anyone who wants one after consulting a doctor, and no outright ban existed. Critics (including some GOP senators like Cassidy) said the changes created real barriers, confusion, and de facto restrictions.
Tarlov mentions Kathy Hochul (NY Governor) having to do an “emergency” order. This is also accurate.
In early September 2025, Hochul declared a state disaster emergency specifically due to federal actions threatening COVID vaccine access. She issued an executive order allowing pharmacists in New York to prescribe and administer the updated 2025–2026 COVID shots to all New Yorkers (ages 3+) without a doctor’s prescription, bypassing perceived federal restrictions. It was extended multiple times.
This was a direct response to the HHS/CDC/FDA shifts under RFK Jr., and similar moves happened in other Democratic-led states to protect broader access.
Jesse Watters’ Question: “Can you just walk into a doctor’s office?” In many places and for many people (especially high-risk individuals), yes, you could still get the vaccine at a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy—often with self-attestation of risk factors.
However, real-world reports (including Erickson’s) showed practical barriers: some pharmacies wouldn’t administer it without confirmation of eligibility under the new rules, supply was spotty in certain areas, and there was confusion/liability hesitation among providers. It wasn’t a blanket “you can’t get it anywhere,” but it wasn’t seamless either.
Tarlov is no friend of Donald Trump’s. Some of the comments made by Trump about Tarlov have been:
April 2026 (recent Truth Social rant, while watching The Five on Air Force One):
“I am watching one of the Least Attractive and Talented People on all of Television, Jessica Tarlov. Her voice is so grating and terrible, I had to ‘turn her off!’ Her Democrat soundbites are FAKE. She makes up ‘Poll Numbers,’ and nobody challenges her, because she is so boring. … GET HER OFF THE AIR, SHE IS BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY!”
April 6–7, 2026 (direct appeal to Fox executives):
“For Fox executives only, take Jessica Tarlov off the air. She is, from her voice, to her lies, and everything else about her, one of the worst ‘personalities’ on television, a real loser! People cannot stand watching her.”
March 2026 (phone-in to The Five while Tarlov was absent):
Trump said he was “not a fan” of Tarlov, accused her of using “fake numbers” on his polling (e.g., claiming he was only at 42%), and added: “I’m glad Jessica’s not there. … I think your show would be a lot better without her.” He also said, “I’m sure I’d like her, I’m sure she’s a lovely person, she’s just not for me.”
July 2025:
“I can’t stand Jessica Tarlov of THE FIVE. A real loser!” (posted shortly after she appeared on the show).
Earlier 2025 instances:
Trump has called her a “disgrace to television broadcasting” and criticized her for “soiling” The Five with her voice, manner, and commentary. He has also mocked her for not smiling and for pushing what he views as inaccurate or biased Democratic talking points.
While I am not a fan of Tarlov, you have to give it to Jessica on her arguments here. I don’t think she presents well, especially when surrounded by detractors at FOX. Maybe Donald is somewhat correct in his criticism. She should do something about her “resting bitch face” appearance.
Too harsh?
Trump has similarly attacked CNN White House reporter, Kaitlan Collins.
Trump posted:
“Caitlin Collin’s of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago.” He defended the project (a large expansion) and added that CNN has “no ratings” because of people like her, while calling the network and its leadership corrupt. Collins responded lightly on Instagram Stories, noting her actual question was technically about Venezuela.
February 3, 2026 Oval Office Exchange (Epstein Files) — While signing legislation in the Oval Office, Collins pressed Trump on the newly released (and heavily redacted) Jeffrey Epstein files and concerns from survivors about justice. Trump interrupted and launched into a personal attack: “You are so bad. You know, you are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings because of people like you.”
Also:
“She’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face.”
“You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth, and you’re a very dishonest organization.”
Again, same RBF.
