If Rupert Murdoch emerges as a white knight confronting a domineering U.S. president, the global political landscape may have truly entered an extraordinary phase. This is the same media mogul whose Fox News network actively propagated Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election, resulting in a staggering $787 million lawsuit settlement. Fox News has also been a launchpad for several key figures in Trump’s circle, including former host turned Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Yet, this is the backdrop as Trump filed a lawsuit on July 18 against Murdoch’s financial newspaper, The Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit followed the publication of an article about a hand-drawn card Trump allegedly sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The Journal reported the card featured a suggestive drawing signed by Trump. The letter, reportedly part of a birthday album for Epstein, concluded with,
“Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump, incensed by the publication, claimed the letter was a forgery and accused Murdoch of failing to suppress the story, despite assurances. This confrontation places Trump in a precarious position, caught between The Wall Street Journal’s critical stance and his conspiracy-fueled base.
A Complex Relationship
The relationship between Murdoch and Trump is as complex as it is transactional. Murdoch’s media outlets, particularly the New York Post, played a pivotal role in shaping Trump’s public persona in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite attending Trump’s second inauguration, Murdoch’s support has been more about political strategy than personal allegiance.
Murdoch’s skepticism of Trump was evident when he initially backed Ron DeSantis in the Republican primaries. Despite this, Fox News continued to support Trump, reflecting Murdoch’s pragmatic approach to power. As a former Murdoch executive noted,
“he’s testing out: Is Trump losing his base? And where do I need to be to stay in the heart of the base?”
The Power of Murdoch’s Media Empire
Murdoch’s media empire operates like a federation, catering to diverse audiences with distinct needs. While Fox News appeals to Trump’s base, The Wall Street Journal targets a more affluent, business-oriented readership. This dual approach allows Murdoch to influence public opinion across different segments.
Should The Wall Street Journal’s revelations begin to erode Trump’s support, other Murdoch outlets might follow suit, gradually shifting their narrative. However, Murdoch risks alienating Trump’s loyal followers, who could turn against Fox News, as Trump has already hinted at during his social media tirades.
Historical Parallels and Potential Pitfalls
Trump’s allegations of forgery echo past controversies involving Murdoch’s publications. Notable instances include the infamous Hitler Diaries, which Murdoch published despite knowing they were fake, and the erroneous Pauline Hanson photos in Australia. These incidents highlight the potential pitfalls of sensational journalism.
While The Wall Street Journal maintains a reputation for rigorous reporting, its ownership by Murdoch raises questions about editorial independence. The ongoing legal battle could expose further vulnerabilities in Murdoch’s media empire.
Implications for the Media Landscape
Trump’s legal actions against media giants like ABC and CBS, which settled defamation claims, illustrate his broader strategy to intimidate critical outlets. The recent cancellation of federal funding for PBS and NPR, alongside CBS’s decision to end Stephen Colbert’s show, underscores the chilling effect of Trump’s media campaign.
If the alleged letter is genuine, Murdoch may resist Trump’s pressure, potentially leading to a legal showdown. The discovery process could reveal damaging evidence against Trump, intensifying media scrutiny.
The prospect of Murdoch joining forces with Elon Musk in a moral crusade against Trump is intriguing. As these powerful figures clash, the implications for the media landscape are profound. The public, caught in the crossfire, deserves a more transparent and accountable media environment.
