When the New York Post put it on its front page, it wasn’t just selling papers, it was making the end of a career. And he wasn’t the only one – strong assessments of Donald Trump and what he meant for the 2022 midterm elections have echoed in Rupert Murdoch’s media stable. Check out this op-ed from the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal titled “Trump Is the Republican Party’s Biggest Loser.” “Mr. Trump has had policy successes as president, including tax cuts and deregulation, but he has led Republicans to one policy fiasco after another.” He talks about a “perfect electoral losing record” and muses: “Maybe by now the Republicans are sick and tired of losing.” It’s a bruising critique from an influential voice in Republican circles and reflective of the right-wing view that has become problematic for Donald Trump, literally overnight. Fox News, so often so loyal, is not so much now. The commentary and opinion was openly critical, and the on-air talent with a former president on speed dial can’t get away fast enough. When Big Media recalibrates where power lies, so does Big Money. It’s a numbers game for callous Republican donors who won’t be impressed by their man’s stats. Enter: The other. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, was returned this week with a large, increased majority. has long been positioned for a run at the Republican leadership. His headline in the New York Post, after the midterm elections, was “DeFuture.” It’s certainly early days, but there are signs of gravity shifting away from Trump — and not just in the media. Republican politicians and connected players — content to hold their noses, clutch their pearls and support Trump while he seemed destined to deliver — are openly discussing the toxicity in the brand. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:24 “I would like to welcome fake media” Donald Trump’s “big announcement” is still scheduled for next Tuesday and the world’s media will descend on the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. In the days leading up to the big announcement, the questions grew bigger.
