FOX News Channel Sets Record Ratings with Trump's Joint Address to Congress in Cable News History

FOX News Channel Achieves Historic Ratings

On March 4, 2025, FOX News Channel (FNC) made headlines by delivering the highest-rated joint address to Congress in cable television history. The special coverage of President Donald Trump's first address during his second term captivated an audience of 10.7 million viewers, with 1.9 million in the crucial A25-54 demographic, according to Nielsen reporting. This significant event not only highlighted FNC's dominance in the cable news arena but also showcased a shift in viewership patterns compared to the previous administration.

Co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, the network's special coverage stood out, surpassing all broadcast networks, including ABC, NBC, and CBS. FNC's impressive achievement reflects a stark contrast to the viewership numbers from President Joe Biden's joint address in 2021, as well as Trump's first-term address back in 2017. Notably, FNC commanded 74% of the cable news audience during the address and dominated the Democratic response segment, attracting an average of 5.9 million viewers.

In the crucial window from 9 PM to 11:30 PM ET, FNC averaged 9.7 million viewers and generated 1.7 million in the A25-54 demographic, solidifying its place as a front-runner in television news. Following the live coverage, the audience remained engaged with the special edition of 'Hannity,' which drew in 3.9 million viewers.

The ratings surge is indicative of broader trends in the cable news landscape. Since the November 2024 elections, FOX News has seen a revival in viewership, growing its primetime audience by 14% compared to the previous year. In comparison, competitors CNN and MSNBC faced significant declines, with CNN's viewership down by 37% and MSNBC down by 41% as both networks struggled to retain their audience.

FNC's digital presence also saw a notable boost, with Adobe Analytics reporting increased engagement, including 2.8 million livestream views and a commanding 20 million views on YouTube. Across social media platforms, FOX News garnered substantial interactions, reaching 53.8 million total video views and 5.2 million social interactions. This online success further underscores FOX News's ability to connect with its audience beyond traditional broadcasting.

Notably, FNC has consistently been recognized as a network with a politically diverse audience, featuring a larger share of Democrat and Independent viewers than any other cable news outlet. This diversity is supported by data from Nielsen/MRI Fusion, and recent polls have indicated that FNC remains a primary source for political news for many Americans.

In conclusion, the record-breaking ratings for President Trump's joint address embodies not only the strength of FOX News Channel but also the dynamic shifts occurring within the political news landscape. With an unwavering focus on diverse viewpoints and engaging content, FNC continues to dominate the ratings and play a pivotal role in American news media.