Former President Donald Trump has openly discussed his plans to meet with Rupert Murdoch to persuade the media mogul to stop airing negative ads about him on Fox News.
This statement came during a recent appearance on Fox News’s “Fox & Friends,” where Trump expressed his frustration with the network for allowing negative ads to run, just as the presidential race heats up. The comments were delivered in a seemingly joking manner, but they shed light on the cozy relationship that has long existed between Trump and Fox News.
A Strategic Meeting with Murdoch
Trump’s relationship with Rupert Murdoch, the founder of Fox News, has been a defining aspect of his media strategy since his first presidential campaign. During his appearance, Trump stated, “I’m going to see Rupert Murdoch. I’m going to tell him something very simple because I can’t talk to anybody else: Don’t put on negative commercials for 21 days.” The casual way in which Trump spoke about reaching out to Murdoch demonstrates the informal access he has enjoyed to one of the most powerful figures in media, reinforcing the perception of their mutually beneficial relationship.
Rupert Murdoch, though officially retired as chairman of Fox Corporation, still holds considerable influence over the company, which remains a key media supporter of conservative candidates. This request from Trump, even if partly made in jest, points to his expectations of loyalty from Fox News, especially as the election season intensifies.
Murdoch’s Influence and Fox’s Editorial Choices
Fox News has been a crucial outlet for Trump, providing favorable coverage during his presidency and serving as an amplifier of his message to his base. However, in recent times, the network has faced criticism for its occasional critical coverage of Trump, including the airing of ads attacking his policies and highlighting controversies from his past. Such content, while limited, has not escaped Trump’s attention.
The fact that Trump feels comfortable enough to directly ask Rupert Murdoch to intervene in the editorial choices of Fox News highlights their unusual dynamic. Typically, such interactions between political figures and media owners are more discreet, but Trump has never shied away from publicly discussing his influence or efforts to sway media narratives in his favor.
Fox News and Trump: A Symbiotic Relationship
Trump’s open commentary on Murdoch and Fox News serves as a reminder of the close, symbiotic relationship between the two. Throughout Trump’s rise in politics, Fox News provided a platform that helped amplify his message to millions of conservative viewers, and in return, Trump has given Fox unprecedented access and exclusives. However, this recent episode raises questions about the extent to which Fox will continue to accommodate Trump’s requests, especially as internal dynamics at the network have shifted with Murdoch’s official retirement.
For Fox News, the challenge remains balancing its role as a leading conservative voice with maintaining credibility and avoiding appearing as merely a mouthpiece for Trump. The potential meeting with Murdoch reflects Trump’s desire to shape the media landscape to his advantage, especially as he seeks to regain the presidency amidst a crowded and competitive Republican primary.
Moving Forward: Influence or Interference?
Whether Rupert Murdoch will heed Trump’s request remains uncertain, but the implications are significant. If Fox News alters its stance or reduces its airing of negative ads following this meeting, it would reinforce the notion that Trump wields significant influence over the network’s editorial decisions. This could have repercussions not only for Trump’s campaign but also for Fox News’s reputation as an independent news outlet.
The upcoming months will test the strength of the Trump-Murdoch relationship, as well as the editorial independence of Fox News. As Trump seeks to clear his path towards another presidential bid, his willingness to use direct pressure on media giants like Murdoch is a striking reminder of his hands-on approach to managing his public image.