Jessica Tarlov, the outspoken and sharp political commentator for Fox News, has always been a prominent figure, known for her thoughtful insights and compelling debates. However, behind her confident on-air persona, Tarlov has endured significant personal challenges that have tested her resilience in profound ways. From public attacks to devastating personal loss, Tarlov’s emotional journey is one that has left fans in tears and filled with admiration for her strength.

The Personal Attacks from Donald Trump

Jessica Tarlov smiling

Tarlov’s experience in the public eye has not always been easy. As one of the few liberal voices on Fox News, she has often found herself the target of harsh criticism, most notably from former President Donald Trump. In January 2023, Trump took to Truth Social to personally attack Tarlov, calling her “wacky,” “absolutely terrible,” and criticizing her voice and presentation style. Trump’s words, which included statements like “her facts are knowingly wrong”, struck a chord with Tarlov, who had already been self-conscious about her public persona.

It was really hurtful,” Tarlov later shared, recounting how Trump’s attack made her question herself. However, with the support of her co-host Dana Perino and friends, she was able to reframe the moment as a sign of success—if Trump was paying attention, it meant she was doing her job well enough to make an impact. Tarlov eventually found strength in the situation, using it as motivation to continue her work with greater resolve.

Jessica Tarlov wearing a winter coat

A Legal Battle and the $30 Million Lawsuit

As if public criticism weren’t enough, Tarlov’s career took another hit when she found herself sued for $30 million by Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of the Biden family. Tarlov had made remarks on-air regarding payments made to Bobulinski’s legal team, which Bobulinski later claimed were defamatory. Although Tarlov clarified the mistake and Fox News stood by her, the legal battle was deeply stressful and emotionally draining.

In a positive twist, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a judge, who ordered Bobulinski to pay for Tarlov’s legal fees. The victory brought a sense of relief, but the journey had taken its toll on her, highlighting the challenges that journalists and commentators face when caught in public disputes.

Mark Tarlov and Judith Roberts sitting together

The Heartbreaking Loss of Her Father

However, the most significant personal challenge for Tarlov came in July 2021, when she lost her father, Mark Tarlov, to cancer. Mark, a film producer, had been diagnosed with cancer caused by exposure to toxins from the September 11 terrorist attacks, as his home was located near Ground Zero in Tribeca. The loss was devastating, and Tarlov, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, had to navigate her grief alongside the excitement of becoming a mother.

Tarlov shared how the grief of losing her father combined with the challenges of postpartum depression, leading to what she described as an “emotional rollercoaster.” Despite the heartbreak, she found solace in her growing family and leaned on other mothers for support. “He gave everything to his many careers, but he gave the absolute most to me, my sister, and our Mom who he loved so completely,” Tarlov wrote after his death.

A Future of Strength and Advocacy

Tarlov’s emotional struggles—public and private—have shaped her into an even stronger and more empathetic individual. Her openness about her grief, her challenges, and her determination to rise above them has inspired countless fans who relate to her struggles. Through all the trials, Jessica Tarlov has continued to serve as a voice of reason and resilience in the political world, offering insight into difficult issues while staying true to herself.

As she balances her professional career with the joys and challenges of motherhood, Tarlov continues to prove that no matter how difficult life may get, strength, compassion, and resilience can turn even the hardest moments into opportunities for growth and advocacy.

In sharing her journey, Tarlov has become a source of strength and inspiration, demonstrating that even in the face of personal pain, it’s possible to keep moving forward with grace and determination.