The Trump-Murdoch Alliance Resurfaces

Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old retired global media titan, made a surprising appearance at the recent Republican convention in Milwaukee, marking a significant shift in his relationship with Donald J. Trump. In the fall of 2020, Murdoch expressed concerns about Trump’s mental state and the potential dangers of a second term, predicting Trump’s irrelevance by the end of the year.

Despite previously supporting Trump’s chief rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Murdoch’s presence at the convention signifies a renewed alliance with the former president. This move highlights Murdoch’s complex relationship with Trump, especially considering Trump’s influence over Fox News, a major network owned by Murdoch.

Following a rift in late 2020 when Fox News declared Trump’s loss in Arizona, the network faced backlash from its pro-Trump audience. However, Murdoch’s attendance at the convention not only shows his support for Republican unity but also serves as a gesture of solidarity with his journalists working at various Murdoch-owned media outlets.

• Mr. Murdoch’s appearance at the convention is a rare occurrence, indicating the significance of his support for the Republican cause.
• The relationship between Murdoch and Trump has experienced ups and downs, with moments of disagreement and alignment over the years.
• Despite past differences, Murdoch’s presence at the convention underscores the enduring influence of Trump and the complexities of media-political relationships.