Key Takeaways

• Lachlan Murdoch told Sean Hannity not to book Trump after he attacked Fox News on air.
• Fox News enforces a rule against guests using airtime to bash the network.
• Rupert Murdoch later overrode the ban to boost falling ratings.
• These details emerged in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit.
• The news lands as Trump faces pressure over releasing Epstein files.

This week, unsealed court papers revealed a dramatic showdown at Fox News. They show Lachlan Murdoch, the company’s CEO, telling star host Sean Hannity not to book President Trump. The reason? Trump used his airtime to attack the network’s own journalists.

The Golden Rule at Fox News

Fox News has a clear policy: guests must not use their time to bash the channel. Lachlan Murdoch refers to this as “the golden rule.” In a message to Sean Hannity, Murdoch wrote that Trump would not return if he used air time against them. This rule applies equally to all guests, whether they agree or disagree with the network’s views.

The October 2020 Clash

In October 2020, Trump appeared on Sean Hannity’s show. During that appearance, he criticized two Fox News reporters. He accused them of bias and unfair coverage. Naturally, this upset the network’s leaders. They feared more attacks would harm their brand and ratings.

Lachlan Murdoch’s Warning

Soon after Trump’s comments, Lachlan Murdoch reached out to Hannity. He made it clear that Trump’s next appearance was on hold. “Sean, sorry, but the president is not coming back on air if he uses it to attack us,” he wrote. Murdoch stressed that this was the same for both sides of the political debate. This rule kept Fox News from turning into a free-for-all.

Rupert Murdoch Steps In

About a month later, ratings showed a steep drop for Fox News. This time, Lachlan’s father, Rupert Murdoch, sent an email to his son. He warned that the network was “getting killed” in viewership. To save the numbers, Rupert pushed to bring Trump back on air. Within days, Trump returned to Sean Hannity’s show.

Unsealed Papers in a Defamation Case

These exchanges came to light due to a massive defamation lawsuit. Trump and others sued Fox News for nearly $2.7 billion, claiming the network pushed false election claims in 2020. As part of that case, many internal messages and emails were made public. They reveal how Fox News balanced ratings, rules, and political stars.

Politics and the Epstein Files

This news arrives amid fresh political pressure on Trump. His own party voted overwhelmingly to force him to release files on Jeffrey Epstein. Trump had tried to block those records. He even urged some Republicans to vote against the bill. Now, he must navigate both legal fights and a tense relationship with his former TV ally.

Why It Matters

First, the papers show Fox News values its rules over loyalty to any guest. Second, they reveal how powerful figures can still shift decisions for ratings. Finally, they highlight the tightrope the network walks between news and entertainment. For viewers, this saga raises questions about trust and bias on cable news.

What’s Next for Trump and Fox News

Looking ahead, Trump will likely appear on Fox News again. The network still leans heavily on his star power. Yet, both sides know the golden rule remains in place. If Trump lashes out at Fox News staffers, he could face another ban. Meanwhile, Fox News must keep viewers engaged without letting its own stars run wild.

A Broader View on Media and Politics

Media companies often juggle business interests and editorial standards. Fox News is no exception. On one hand, it competes fiercely for ratings. On the other, it tries to maintain credibility with its audience. This balance grows tougher as politics and entertainment merge on TV. Other networks watch closely, too, as they face similar dilemmas.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Fox News story shows how media power plays out behind the scenes. A simple rule kept even the president in check—until ratings dropped. Then, the media’s top executive made a call to bring him back. Such drama reminds us that news channels aren’t just passive airwaves. They’re businesses with rules, egos, and big stakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Fox News ban Trump at first?

They have a rule against using airtime to attack the channel or its staff. Trump broke that rule by criticizing two reporters.

Who decided to bring Trump back on air?

Rupert Murdoch, Fox Corporation’s co-founder and Lachlan Murdoch’s father, stepped in after ratings fell.

How did these documents become public?

They were unsealed as part of a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit over claims about the 2020 election.

What does this mean for future guests on Fox News?

It shows the network will enforce its golden rule but may bend it if ratings suffer.