First, Chuck reacts to President Trump’s announcement that smartphones, computers, and other electronics will be exempt from tariffs. He also previews what we can expect this week in political news, and breaks down what all these developments mean for our democracy as a whole.
Then, Chuck is joined by The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins to discuss his latest story, “Growing Up Murdoch,” which delves into the Succession-style drama surrounding Rupert Murdoch, his children, and the future of their media empire.
They examine Fox News’ enormous influence on American politics, how the network evolved during the Trump era, and how it could undergo major changes once Murdoch’s children take the reins.
The conversation explores striking parallels between the Murdoch family and the Roys from HBO’s Succession, including a looming legal battle over the family trust and what it could mean for the company’s direction.
McKay explains how Fox News shifted after the departure of longtime CEO Roger Ailes, while Chuck highlights how the potential loss of NFL broadcasting rights could pose an existential threat to the network.
Finally, they turn to the Trump family and discuss why its own brewing succession drama might ultimately eclipse that of the Murdochs.
Timeline:
00:00 Intro
02:58 Reaction to Trump’s tariff exemption of smartphones and computers
07:45 Are we entering a kleptocracy?
14:05 McKay Coppins joins Chuck
16:47 Any discussion about making Mckay’s Murdoch article into a book?
18:17 Fate of the Murdoch empire impacts the fate of American politics
19:32 Murdoch outlets impacted Trumpism, Brexit and other major events
22:47 Murdoch used to make the weather, now Trump does
26:32 It’s easier to pick a side in media rather than be a neutral observer
29:02 Did Succession have an insider account or were the Murdochs that predictable?
30:47 The Murdochs are a normal, wealthy dysfunctional family
32:17 Status of the Murdoch lawsuit?
34:47 Was Rupert Murdoch “honeypotted” by the Chinese government?
36:32 Will James and Lachlan reconcile after Rupert dies?
38:17 Rupert has pitted his kids against each other
39:32 Without Brexit and Trump, would James and Lachlan have worked better together?
41:17 James can’t stomach what Fox News became in the Trump era
42:17 Fox News went off the rails after Roger Ailes left
43:47 Ailes ruled Fox News with an iron fist
44:32 The inmates are running the asylum at Fox
46:02 If James gets his way after Rupert dies, Fox will change drastically
47:17 Fox can never go as far as Newsmax or OAN
48:32 The Fox empire was built on its current audience
50:32 James is building his own empire
52:02 Sisters are embarrassed by Fox News
52:17 NFL rights are existential for Fox and big tech can outspend them
54:17 Murdoch kids have shielded their kids from the press
55:47 WSJ + NY Post will still needle Trump
57:32 James has more interest in the media business than Lachlan
58:02 The Murdochs and Trumps have similar dynamics
59:17 Don Jr. understood the Trump base better than his father
1:00:17 Succession style drama is coming for the Trump family
The Chuck ToddCast