Fox Business host Larry Kudlow delivered one of his sharpest criticisms yet of congressional Republicans Wednesday night, arguing that despite controlling the Senate, the party has failed to capitalize on what he believes should be favorable political conditions.
During an interview with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kudlow barely waited for introductions before launching into a lengthy list of frustrations.
“The socialists are winning. They’re taking over the Democratic Party. The Republicans are doing nothing.”
Kudlow said recent polling should serve as a wake-up call.
“The polls are lousy.”
He expressed disbelief that Republicans have not done more to highlight what he called a strengthening economy while advancing legislation that could resonate with voters before the midterm elections.
Kudlow also cited new data showing many Americans feel squeezed by taxes and the cost of living, arguing that the GOP-controlled Senate has failed to respond aggressively. Turning directly to Tuberville, Kudlow didn’t soften the criticism.
“The U.S. Republican Senate ain’t doing a thing about it!”
Tuberville didn’t push back. Instead, the Alabama senator agreed with Kudlow’s assessment.
“I agree with you, Larry.”
Tuberville warned that lawmakers are about to leave Washington for an extended recess and said Republicans need to produce tangible legislative victories before voters head to the polls.
“We need to get the American people something before the election, or it’s not gonna be good.”
He suggested budget reconciliation could provide Republicans their best opportunity to pass major legislation without Democratic support in the Senate.
The exchange comes as Republicans confront mixed economic messaging.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued the economy is booming, pointing to investment, manufacturing and trade as evidence his policies are working. Yet several recent national polls show many Americans remain dissatisfied with economic conditions. A recent CNN survey found that 77% of respondents rated the economy as somewhat or very poor, while many also said they disapproved of Trump’s handling of economic issues.
Trump has dismissed those surveys as “fake” and has continued promoting what he calls the “Golden Age of America,” insisting economic fundamentals remain strong despite negative public sentiment.
Kudlow, however, appeared less concerned about the underlying numbers than about Republicans’ inability to persuade voters.
His message was unmistakable, if the economy is performing as advertised, the party needs to start selling it.
MY QUICK TAKE:
It’s not every day you see a Fox Business host grab the Republican Party by the lapels on live television.
Kudlow wasn’t asking for talking points. He was asking if anybody in Washington had checked to see whether Congress was actually open for business.
Some interviews are softball. This one was more like batting practice—with the senator standing in the batter’s box.
HERE IS A CLIP FROM THE SAME INTERVIEW OR WATCH THE FULL EXCHANGE ON FOX BUSINESS:
KUDLOW: Why is it people don’t know there’s an economic boom? It’s not showing up in any of these numbers! How is that possible?
TUBERVILLE: Our economy is really good if you look at all the factors pic.twitter.com/3W5lfmnxYl
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2026
DBS WIRE SOURCES
- Mediaite – Fox’s Larry Kudlow fumes at Senator Tuberville: “Republicans are doing nothing” and “The polls are lousy”
- CNN – Recent polling on the economy and voter sentiment (referenced in Kudlow interview)
- Fox Business – Kudlow interview with Sen. Tommy Tuberville
