Murdoch Turns on Trump as New Epstein Files Trigger Political Shockwaves

A newly released batch of Justice Department documents in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is reigniting political firestorms—and this time, the fallout appears to be reaching even Donald Trump’s former media allies.

The latest disclosures reveal that Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet far more frequently than previously acknowledged. According to flight records buried in thousands of pages of documents, Trump flew on Epstein’s plane at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. One 1993 flight reportedly listed only three passengers onboard: Trump, Epstein, and a 20-year-old woman. While the files do not contain criminal charges, the revelations directly contradict Trump’s long-standing public claims that his contact with Epstein was minimal.

What makes this moment particularly striking is not just the content of the documents—but who is reporting them.

For the first time, Rupert Murdoch–owned outlets, including the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal, are covering the Epstein revelations plainly and without the protective framing that has historically shielded Trump. The New York Post, long known for running cover for Trump through indictments, classified document scandals, and election denial narratives, led with the facts: eight confirmed flights and internal DOJ emails acknowledging that Trump’s involvement was more extensive than previously stated.

That editorial shift is fueling speculation that Trump may be losing control of the media narrative that once protected him.

The documents also show that Ghislaine Maxwell was on board at least four of those flights—adding renewed scrutiny to Trump’s past comments about her following her conviction. In a now widely circulated clip, Trump told reporters he “wished her well,” a remark that resurfaced amid renewed public outrage and confusion over his tone toward someone convicted of child sex trafficking.

Meanwhile, the political backlash is no longer limited to Democrats.

Several Republican figures—some previously aligned with Trump—are now openly criticizing him. Even Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene reportedly condemned efforts to block the release of the Epstein files, calling Trump’s actions “evil.” Reports from major outlets including The New York Times and CNN allege that Trump personally pressured lawmakers, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, to withdraw support for a congressional petition demanding full declassification of Epstein-related materials.

According to those reports, Boebert was summoned to the White House Situation Room for meetings involving the Attorney General and FBI Director—officials now accused by critics of weaponizing the Justice Department against political dissent. Despite the pressure, Boebert allegedly defied the president, allowing the document release effort to proceed.

The Justice Department disclosures also include internal emails from prosecutors working on the Epstein-Maxwell case during Trump’s first term, suggesting that key information about Trump’s travel history was not fully known—or disclosed—at the time. Those emails are now circulating publicly, piercing what critics describe as a long-standing “media echo chamber.”

At the same time, Murdoch’s broader media empire appears to be shifting its posture. The Wall Street Journal has recently published multiple critical pieces questioning Republican governance failures, signaling deeper fractures within conservative power structures as midterm elections loom.

Polling data reflects the growing political damage. A Fox News poll conducted in November shows a majority of Americans believe the economy is performing poorly and blame Trump for it. Democrats have flipped 25 Republican-held seats so far in 2025, while Republicans have flipped none. In traditionally conservative regions like Miami-Dade County, Democrats are recording historic gains.

Inside the administration, panic appears to be mounting. DOJ spokespeople have dismissed some claims as “unfounded,” while Trump himself has lashed out publicly at media outlets, particularly the New York Times, accusing them of spreading false narratives.

Yet the bipartisan demand for transparency around the Epstein files continues to grow. Even former Trump supporters are now calling for resignations at the Justice Department—and, in some cases, Trump’s impeachment.

For decades, Trump’s political survival depended on loyal media allies willing to reframe scandals, question facts, or bury damaging stories. The Epstein files may represent a turning point. If even those allies now feel compelled to report without spin, it suggests that the narrative firewall Trump relied upon may finally be cracking.

As more documents are released and political pressure intensifies, one thing is clear: the Epstein story is not fading away—and it may prove to be the most destabilizing challenge Trump has faced yet.