Rupert Murdoch to Attend Trump White House’s First State Dinner
21st Century Fox chief Rupert Murdoch is officially on the guest list for tonight’s state dinner at the White House, a person familiar with the matter told TheWrap on Tuesday.
The 87-year-old media baron and his wife Jerry Hall are expected to attend the dinner honoring French president Emmanuel Macron, the first official state dinner since Donald Trump entered the White House last year.
The news was first reported by New York Times correspondent Katie Rogers on Twitter.
A spokesperson for 21st Century Fox declined to comment; The White House did not immediately respond to request for comment.
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A new little tidbit a WH official just confirmed for me: Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall are attending tonight. Unclear if they're part of the 4 invitees POTUS was cleared to personally choose. https://t.co/9DRafn9kpB
— Katie Rogers (@katierogers) April 24, 2018
The attendance of the 87-year-old media magnate suggests he has recovered after suffering a back injury on his son Lachlan’s yacht earlier this year.
The elder Murdoch is known to be close to Trump and his Fox News Channel has become regular viewing in the White House.
It is the first state dinner of the Trump presidency and President Macron’s first official visit as president of France to the United States. Trump is said to enjoy a close personal friendship with Macron. The two dined together with their wives at a private dinner in Mount Vernon, Virginia, on Monday night.
Much of the state dinner preparations are being personally overseen by First Lady Melania Trump and her office.
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