A new biography has claimed that Rupert Murdoch, the media tycoon and owner of Fox News who announced he is stepping down today from that vaunted position, harbors a desire for former President Donald Trump’s demise during impassioned rants. Murdoch, once a vocal supporter of Trump, has now become a vehement opponent of the possibility of a second Trump presidency.
A Radical Shift: Murdoch’s Transition from Ally to Fierce Critic
Murdoch’s television channel, Fox News, had strongly supported Trump during his successful 2016 White House bid. However, as the landscape has shifted, so has Murdoch’s stance. The 92-year-old media magnate now finds himself in sharp opposition to the 77-year-old former president, who is emerging as the frontrunner to challenge Joe Biden in the next presidential election.
According to Michael Wolff’s new book, “The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty,” Trump’s alleged voter fraud claims and the subsequent January 6 attack on the Capitol have fueled Murdoch’s anger and criticism. The book suggests that Trump’s alleged voter fraud allegations and his divisive actions have deeply angered Murdoch, culminating in a desire for Trump’s departure from the political scene.
Personality As Politics
British writer and broadcaster David Oldroyd-Bolt told 19FortyFive that Woolf’s allegation “simply reinforces what we’ve always known since the rise of mass media: politics is as much about personality as it is about policy. In the context of Britain, you could cite Lord Northcliffe’s disdain for Asquith and his use of the Times and Daily Mail to force a coalition, which led eventually to the Lloyd George premiership he desired.
“Similarly, Mr Murdoch’s papers have supported both the Labour and Conservative parties, depending on what he thought of the party leaders. His reported comments about former President Trump are virulent, verging on rabid, but I don’t think anybody has ever accused Rupert Murdoch of speaking guardedly.”
Troubled Relationship: From ‘F****** Idiot’ to Calls for Trump’s Demise
Wolff, a journalist with a history of documenting Trump’s presidency, outlines the evolution of Murdoch’s sentiments towards Trump. Initially dismissing Trump as a “f****** idiot” during the early days of his presidency, Murdoch’s opinion has morphed into a visceral disdain, with Trump’s death becoming a recurrent theme in his conversations, suggesting a deep-seated bitterness.
Trump’s Continued Popularity
Despite facing a staggering 91 criminal charges, Trump remains a formidable contender for the Republican nomination in 2024, amassing substantial support from the Republican base. This unexpected resilience has further heightened Murdoch’s frustration, as he grapples with the enduring influence of the former president within the Republican party.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the political and media circles, underscoring the evolving dynamics of key players within the conservative landscape. As the political narrative continues to unfold, Murdoch’s shift from an ally to a fervent critic of Trump remains a critical point of discussion, showcasing the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of politics.
Who Is Rupert Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born media mogul and one of the most influential figures in the global media landscape. He is the founder and executive chairman of News Corporation, one of the world’s largest and most powerful media conglomerates including 21st Century Fox, HarperCollins, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News, among others.
A Checkered Past
Murdoch and his media empire have been the subject of numerous controversies:
One of the most significant controversies involved phone hacking by employees of Murdoch-owned newspapers in the UK. Journalists were accused of hacking into the voicemails of celebrities, politicians, crime victims, and members of the British royal family. The scandal led to the closure of News of the World, a British tabloid owned by News Corporation.
Critics argue that Murdoch’s media outlets have a strong conservative and right-wing bias. Fox News, in particular, has been accused of promoting conservative viewpoints and providing a platform for biased reporting.
Murdoch and his media outlets are known to wield significant political influence. They have been accused of using their platforms to support political candidates and causes that align with their interests.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
