Murdoch’s Presence at GOP Convention Signals a Reconciliation with Trump
Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old media mogul and recently retired founder of News Corp, made a notable appearance at the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024. This marks a surprising return to the Republican fold for Murdoch, whose relationship with former President Donald Trump had soured following the 2020 election.
Murdoch, who was once an ardent supporter of Trump, had a falling out with the former president after Fox News, one of his major outlets, declared Trump’s loss in Arizona, a call that Trump and his supporters vehemently disputed. Murdoch had then predicted that Trump would become “irrelevant” by the end of 2020. Despite this, Murdoch remained intertwined with Trump due to the latter’s hold over Fox News’ audience, ultimately leading to the media titan’s reluctant return to a more favorable stance towards the former president.
At the convention, Murdoch’s presence signaled a possible reconciliation with Trump, who had criticized him in the past, particularly during the aftermath of the 2020 election. Despite their rocky relationship, Murdoch’s strategic decision to support Trump again aligns with his understanding of the influence Trump continues to wield within the Republican Party.
Murdoch’s attendance was not just a symbolic gesture but also an opportunity to support his network’s reporters covering the event. His appearance further underscores the complex dynamic between media and politics, particularly in the context of Murdoch’s extensive media empire, which includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Post.
Though Murdoch and Trump had not communicated for a significant period after the 2020 election, their renewed contact in recent months suggests an evolving relationship. Despite their differences, Trump acknowledged Murdoch’s sharp intellect, a sign that the two may continue to maintain an important, if nuanced, connection moving forward.
