A recent article in Rolling Stone has revealed that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his family are reportedly growing concerned about the possibility of being “stuck” with former President Donald Trump as the leader of the Republican Party. According to a “senior Fox source” cited in the article, Murdoch is worried that if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis fails to gain momentum in his campaign against Trump, the party may be unable to move away from the former president.
Initially optimistic about DeSantis’ chances of securing the Republican presidential nomination, the Murdochs have become increasingly displeased with what they perceive as missteps and lackluster polling in the governor’s campaign. The article suggests that they have serious doubts about DeSantis’ ability to defeat Trump in the 2024 GOP primary.
The report is based on conversations with sources close to the Murdoch family, well-placed sources at Fox, and others briefed on the situation. While Rupert Murdoch did not respond to requests for comment, a spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign also did not provide an immediate comment.
According to the sources, Murdoch has privately expressed disappointment with DeSantis’ strategy, criticizing his focus on cultural grievances and arguing that it has been poorly executed. One source described the Murdochs as “transactional” and capable of recognizing a potential loser from afar.
This development comes at a time when Trump’s relationship with Fox News appears somewhat strained. The network reportedly had a temporary “soft ban” on the former president, which ended earlier this year.
Trump has recently made comments suggesting that he may skip the first Republican primary debate hosted by Fox News, citing their perceived hostility towards him. Furthermore, Trump’s town hall on CNN and his decision to hold a second town hall with Fox’s Sean Hannity in Iowa have added to the speculation of a shifting dynamic between Trump and Fox News.
As the 2024 presidential race looms, these behind-the-scenes concerns within the Murdoch family and Fox News could have significant implications for the Republican Party’s future direction and the potential role of Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
“[Rupert’s] understandable worry is that we may end up being stuck with Trump anyway,” a senior Fox source tells Rolling Stone. “And DeSantis is underperforming. Anybody can see that…[and the Murdochs], they’re seeing it, too.”
This reporting is based on conversations with two people who speak to the Murdochs, three well-placed sources at Fox, and three others briefed on the situation. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to divulge the contents of private discussions. Rupert Murdoch did not respond to messages seeking comment on this story. A spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to a comment request. A Fox representative declined to comment on Tuesday.
According to two of the sources, Murdoch has privately winced at DeSantis’ nonstop cultural-grievance strategy, arguing that it is being executed sloppily.
