Rupert Murdoch quietly displayed his influence within the Republican Party by supporting Mike Johnson against attacks from Marjorie Taylor Greene over his decision to pass an aid package for Ukraine. Murdoch’s media empire, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, backed Johnson while criticizing Greene, with the Post even labeling her as “MOSCOW MARJORIE.” Despite this support, other factions within the right-wing media, such as Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, Charlie Kirk, Breitbart, and others, attacked Johnson, accusing him of betraying the conservative movement.
However, the attacks against Johnson failed to oust him from his leadership post, as the House voted against Greene’s resolution. Democrats, along with the lack of support from Donald Trump and other GOP allies, contributed to this outcome. Fox News treated the vote with dismissal, providing minimal coverage compared to CNN and MSNBC. Murdoch’s continued influence within the GOP was evident in this episode, as his media outlets played a significant role in supporting Johnson and preventing Greene’s efforts from gaining momentum.
The power dynamics within the GOP could have been different if Murdoch had instructed Fox News to amplify the criticism against Johnson. This could have led to a larger backlash and put Johnson’s leadership in serious jeopardy. It might have influenced Trump’s response to the situation, potentially turning public opinion against Johnson. Murdoch’s silent support for Johnson helped him navigate the crisis, shielding him from the attacks coming from other right-wing media outlets that painted him as a turncoat.
Without the support of Murdoch Media, Johnson could have faced a more significant threat to his power. Other Republicans may have joined in on the attacks if Fox News had fueled the controversy. Murdoch’s role, although not overtly discussed, was crucial in ensuring Johnson’s survival amid the onslaught of criticism from Greene and her allies in the media. This episode serves as a reminder of Murdoch’s enduring influence in the right-wing media landscape, where his backing can shape the trajectory of a political figure’s fate within the GOP.
In conclusion, Rupert Murdoch’s support for Mike Johnson against Marjorie Taylor Greene’s attacks highlights the power dynamics at play within the Republican Party. Murdoch’s media empire played a pivotal role in safeguarding Johnson’s leadership position, preventing Greene’s efforts from succeeding. This episode sheds light on the influence of media moguls like Murdoch in shaping political narratives and outcomes, underscoring the importance of media support in navigating political crises. Despite operating behind the scenes, Murdoch’s invisible hand was instrumental in steering the course of events in favor of Johnson, showcasing the enduring impact of media influence in shaping political landscapes.
