Jessica Tarlov, a prominent voice on Fox News and co-host of The Five, has long been known as the lone liberal presence in a sea of conservative colleagues. Her thoughtful insights and commitment to representing the Democratic Party with grace have earned her a dedicated following. However, behind the scenes, Tarlov has faced personal and professional challenges that have shaped her journey, including public criticism from former President Donald Trump, a defamation lawsuit, and the heartbreaking loss of her father.

Trump’s Personal Criticism and Its Impact

Jessica Tarlov smiling© Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

One of the most significant moments of Tarlov’s career came in January 2023, when former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to personally attack her. In a scathing post, Trump called Tarlov “wacky,” accused her of being “absolutely terrible,” and even criticized her physical presentation and voice.

“Her facts are knowingly wrong, her jittery presentation is horrendous, and, forgive me, her VOICE is grating and unendurable,” Trump wrote. The public critique was jarring for Tarlov, who had spent years building her career in media. “It was really hurtful,” she later admitted to Bustle. “I was already self-conscious about my presentation style, and to have that called out so publicly—it hit hard.”

Despite the sting of the attack, Tarlov was able to find strength in her work and support from those close to her, including fellow Fox News co-host Dana Perino. “I had people telling me, ‘You’re doing a good job, keep your head up,’” she explained. “And it made me realize that someone with so much power was paying attention to what I was doing. I must be doing something right.” Her newfound resilience helped her turn the hurtful comments into fuel for her continued success, emphasizing her commitment to sticking to the facts and keeping her focus on the issues that matter.

Jessica Tarlov wearing a winter coat© Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

The Defamation Lawsuit: A Tough Legal Battle

In March 2024, Tarlov found herself facing a defamation lawsuit after comments she made on air regarding Tony Bobulinski, a former business partner of the Biden family, and legal fees paid by a Trump Super PAC. Tarlov clarified her statements the following day, acknowledging that she had misspoken. Despite her retraction, Bobulinski filed a lawsuit for $30 million in damages, alleging that her remarks were false and inflammatory.

Tarlov remained steadfast, and Fox News backed her throughout the process. “I have seen no indication those payments were made in connection with Mr. Bobulinski’s legal fees, and he denies that they were,” she stated, standing by her clarification. After months of legal proceedings, the court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling in favor of Tarlov and ordering Bobulinski to pay her legal fees. This landmark decision under New York’s anti-SLAPP statute protected Tarlov from what was considered a frivolous lawsuit and highlighted the growing legal challenges faced by journalists today.

Cohosts on set of “The Five”© John Lamparski/Getty Images

A Family Tragedy: Losing Her Father to Cancer

Beyond the public battles, Tarlov has also dealt with unimaginable personal pain. In July 2021, she lost her father, Mark Tarlov, to cancer at the age of 69. Mark had been exposed to toxic chemicals following the September 11 terrorist attacks while living in Tribeca, just a short distance from Ground Zero. The impact of his exposure led to his diagnosis, a painful reminder of the long-term effects of the attacks on first responders and civilians alike.

“My father 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 on X following his death. The loss was particularly hard for Tarlov, as she was 20 weeks pregnant with her first child at the time. “The grief combined with postpartum has created an emotional rollercoaster that’s tough to handle at home, let alone at work,” she shared in an interview.

Despite the challenges, Tarlov found strength in the support of her colleagues and fellow mothers, who helped her navigate the emotional turmoil. “Spending time with other mothers at work helped me get through it,” she said, underscoring the power of community during difficult times.

Mark Tarlov and Judith Roberts sitting together© Andrew Toth/Getty Images

A New Chapter: Raising Her Son While Continuing Her Career

Amid the grief and setbacks, Tarlov’s life took a new direction with the arrival of her son. In 2022, she became a mother, finding joy in raising her son while navigating the complexities of work, grief, and recovery. The birth of her child brought a sense of healing, and Tarlov found herself bonding with other parents at Fox News, forming a support network that helped her cope with the balancing act of career and motherhood.

Tarlov’s dedication to her family and her career continues to inspire many. She remains one of the few prominent liberal voices at Fox News, a position she takes seriously. “I think it’s so important to represent the values of this party that I care deeply about in a sane and approachable way,” Tarlov said in a recent interview. Her ability to represent her beliefs while remaining respectful and focused on the issues has made her a standout figure in the world of political commentary.

Looking Forward: Tarlov’s Resilience and Dedication

Jessica Tarlov’s journey has been marked by both triumph and heartache. From battling public criticism to facing legal challenges and experiencing the profound loss of her father, Tarlov has shown an incredible amount of strength and resilience. As she continues to speak out on important issues and advocate for the values she holds dear, Tarlov’s personal story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and vulnerability go hand in hand.

While her future is undoubtedly filled with more challenges, Tarlov’s commitment to her family, her work, and her beliefs will undoubtedly continue to inspire others. Whether addressing the political landscape or navigating life as a mother, Jessica Tarlov remains a powerful force in both the media and her community, proving that strength can come from the most difficult of circumstances.