During his visit to Windsor Castle, Donald Trump indulged in the grandeur of the occasion, but later in the evening, he will share a banquet with a former ally turned foe, media magnate Rupert Murdoch. Trump is reportedly upset over allegations in the Wall Street Journal that he sent a provocative letter to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003, a claim he vehemently denies and is pursuing legal action against the publication for defamation.
As Trump’s UK visit unfolds smoothly, the upcoming dinner with Murdoch hints at potential tensions. The president expressed his intentions to take legal measures against the Wall Street Journal on his Truth Social platform, criticizing the publication harshly.
Trump and Murdoch’s relationship has evolved significantly since their initial collaboration fifty years ago when Murdoch acquired the New York Post and Trump, then a prominent real estate figure, provided exclusive stories to the newspaper.
In the past, Murdoch’s ownership of Fox News played a crucial role in promoting Trump’s political agenda, solidifying Fox News’ status as a major media outlet in the US. Notably, several Fox News personalities transitioned to roles within the Trump administration, illustrating the close ties between the two figures.
According to Andrew Dodd, a journalism professor at the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch-Trump relationship has been characterized by mutual benefit and occasional discord since the 1970s.
The private meeting between Trump and Murdoch will take place at a banquet in St George’s Hall. The meticulously arranged event included lavish floral decorations on a 50-meter table, overseen by household staff and attended by members of the Royal Family.
Following a day filled with royal engagements, including visits to significant sites and ceremonies, the banquet will feature a selection of prestigious beverages in honor of Trump’s presidency and personal connections.
The menu will include a specially crafted cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, blending Johnnie Walker Black with marmalade for a unique UK/US fusion. With notable guests like the Prince and Princess of Wales, the evening promises to be a gathering of distinguished personalities.