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Donald Trump: Rupert Murdoch says Republican party ‘would be mad’ not to unify behind fellow billionaire

Can two billionaires unify the Republican party?

Justin Carissimo
New York
Thursday 03 March 2016 10:45 EST
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Rupert Murdoch has always denied having power over UK politicians, in particular the prime minister
Rupert Murdoch has always denied having power over UK politicians, in particular the prime minister (Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez/Getty)

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News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch has embraced fellow billionaire Donald Trump on Twitter, nearly a day before the former Republican nominee Mitt Romney planned to publicly denounce him.

Coming off his Super Tuesday wins in seven states, Trump is scheduled to appear on Fox News' Republican debate on Thursday night. Murdoch's backing could simply be viewed as an insurance policy to prevent Trump from refusing to attend the contest, as he's done before.

The event will be moderated by Fox News host Megyn Kelly. Back in January, Murdoch's network accused Trump of being afraid of the seasoned journalist.

“Sooner or later Donald Trump, even if he's president, is going to have to learn that he doesn't get to pick the journalists — we're very surprised he's willing to show that much fear about being questioned by Megyn Kelly,” Fox News said in a statement.

Kelly told the Associated Press that she thinks Trump is "more focused on securing the nomination now and not one me, and that's how it should be."

Despite his clear differences with his party, Trump remains optimistic that he can make the group more inclusive.

“We are going to be a much finer party, we’re going to be a unified party, and we are going to be a much bigger party — our party is expanding,” Trump declared during a press conference on Tuesday night, according to CBS News.

“I think we’re going to be more inclusive, more unified, and I think we’re going to be a much bigger party in November.”

The Fox News Republican Debate will be held at 9pm to 11pm on Thursday.

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