Trump, Hannity’s Phone Call Exposed As Fox News Tensions Rise

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A phone call in early 2023 between former President Donald Trump and Fox News host Sean Hannity exposed rising tensions within the network and the Trump circle, coming just weeks before a settled defamation lawsuit, according to excerpts from a forthcoming book.

In “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power,” journalist Alex Isenstadt reveals how Hannity attempted to persuade Trump to ease his attacks against the conservative network and its chairman, Rupert Murdoch. Hannity’s plea occurred amid a backdrop of conflict as Trump sought to undermine the network during his campaign.

“Please do not hit Fox, do not hit the Murdoch family. Just please, for the love of God, please don’t do it,” Hannity urged Trump during the March 2023 conversation, as detailed in an excerpt obtained by the Washington Post.

Trump reportedly responded, acknowledging Hannity’s advice but expressing uncertainty about the Murdoch family. “Sean is trying to do the right thing. But, man, the Murdochs? I don’t know,” Trump said during the call.

Hannity, who was visibly frustrated, sought intervention from Susie Wiles, Trump’s then-campaign manager, encouraging her to speak to the former president. Wiles reportedly responded that Trump would ultimately act in what he believed was the best interest.

This call occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Trump and Fox News, particularly after a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit was filed against the network by voting machine company Dominion Voting Systems. The case arose from false claims made by Fox News regarding the integrity of the 2020 election.

In April 2023, Fox News reached a settlement of $787.5 million with Dominion, further complicating its relationship with Trump, who had previously resorted to attacking the network’s polling results and programming. Media reports suggested Trump was facing a diminishing position in favor in the eyes of some Fox News executives as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gained traction among conservative viewers.

Fox News has also seen its hosts grapple with the implications of endorsing Trump’s false claims about the election results, with Murdoch publicly acknowledging that some network personalities had supported Trump’s narrative.

Following a period of strained relations, including Trump’s alleged soft ban from the network, Murdoch’s resignation as chairman of Fox Corporation and News Corp in September 2023 may offer a fresh start for both parties.

Commenting on Murdoch, Trump said, “Rupert Murdoch is in a class by himself, he’s an amazing guy,” reflecting a shift in tone as they navigate the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 presidential election.