Murdoch Faces Trust Amendment Battle in Court

Rupert Murdoch, 93, is engaged in a secret legal battle against three of his children—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—to ensure that his eldest son, Lachlan, remains in control of his conservative media empire, including Fox News and News Corp. This conflict arose when Murdoch attempted to amend the terms of the family's irrevocable trust, which currently grants equal voting rights to his four oldest children upon his death. Murdoch argues that Lachlan, who shares his conservative views, must have unchallenged control to preserve the company's strategic direction and commercial value. A Nevada probate court has ruled that changes to the trust can be made if Murdoch proves they are in good faith for the benefit of all heirs. A trial to determine this is set for September.