Early expectations that Rupert Murdoch would defang the Wall Street Journal came to naught, but as President Donald Trump took office, suspicions have emerged that Murdock is courting Trump by restricting the Journal to cup cake coverage. (Politico Magazine, February 9, 2017, by Jack Shafer)
Murdoch’s ties to Trump are graphically illustrated by Ivanka’s recent role as trustee for $300 million dollar inheritance for two of Murdoch’s children. As Journal reporters express their displeasure over Trump coverage, there is widespread speculation about the degree to which Murdock supports Trump to safeguard his business interests. (The New York Times, February 12, 2017, by Jim Rutenberg)
Journal editor-in-chief Gerry Baker defended their coverage of Trump saying that Murdoch is not calling the shots or shutting down reputable journalism. Still, Baker upset reporters by his reluctance to call Trump’s falsehoods “lies.”(CNN, February 13, 2017, by Tom Kludt)