Rupert Murdoch’s Power Move Crushed: Nevada Court Shuts Down Family Trust Takeover!

In a landmark decision, Nevada Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr. ruled against Rupert Murdoch’s bid to amend the family trust that controls his media empire. The ruling, which described the actions of Rupert and his son Lachlan as being in “bad faith,” reinforces the trust’s original provisions: equal control of Murdoch’s media holdings among his four eldest children—Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—after his death.

This decision marks a pivotal moment for the Murdoch family, whose internal dynamics have reportedly inspired the hit TV series Succession. The show mirrors the real-life power struggle between the children of a powerful patriarch vying for control of a vast media empire.

The Family Trust and Murdoch’s Vision

Rupert Murdoch, 93, has long intended for his children to inherit and jointly govern the sprawling empire he built, which includes The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and a host of global media properties. While Prudence, the eldest daughter, has had little involvement in the family business, her siblings—Lachlan, James, and Elisabeth—have all been considered potential successors over the years.

However, recent reports suggest that Murdoch had grown concerned about the future of Fox News, the crown jewel of his empire. With James and Elisabeth holding more centrist political views, Murdoch feared that Fox’s right-wing stance might be diluted under their influence.

A Bid to Cement Lachlan’s Control

To address these concerns, Murdoch sought to ensure that Lachlan—who currently serves as CEO of Fox News and News Corp.—would have greater control of the empire after his death. This move, however, directly contradicted the terms of the family trust, which requires unanimous agreement among the four siblings for major decisions.

The Nevada court’s decision effectively halts Murdoch’s attempt to unilaterally alter the trust. The ruling underscores the importance of adhering to the original agreement, which was designed to prevent power from consolidating under a single individual.

What’s Next for the Murdoch Family?

The court’s ruling sets the stage for a potential power struggle among the Murdoch heirs once Rupert Murdoch is no longer at the helm. Lachlan, known for his staunch support of Fox News’ conservative agenda, now faces the challenge of maintaining his position amid the trust’s equal power-sharing structure.

With Prudence remaining on the sidelines, James and Elisabeth—both of whom have distanced themselves from Fox News’ political stance—could play pivotal roles in shaping the company’s future.

As the Murdoch family saga continues to unfold, the ruling highlights the complexities of succession planning within powerful dynasties and raises questions about the future direction of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.