JD Vance surprises with trip to meet Murdochs in Montana

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Vice President JD Vance made an unexpected visit to Montana, where he met with media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch, who leads Fox News and News Corp. The meeting took place at the Murdoch family ranch located in southwest Montana, near Dillon. While the exact purpose of the visit remains unclear, two individuals familiar with the trip confirmed that Vance addressed the group, which included other Fox News executives. Due to the lack of advance notice for the trip, locals speculated about Vance's presence when Air Force Two landed in Butte, Montana. This surprise itinerary contributed to speculation about the nature of the discussions that occurred during the meeting, as the vice president's office typically does not disclose such visits. After a brief stay, which was confirmed to last only a few hours due to established flight restrictions, Vance was reportedly scheduled to return to Washington, D.C. to meet President Donald Trump later that week. The ranch, known for its vast expanse of land and livestock, was purchased by Murdoch in 2021 and spans near Yellowstone National Park. Throughout the years, Rupert Murdoch and his media companies have maintained favorable relationships with Republican politicians, historically aligning themselves with Donald Trump’s administration. The meeting with Vance fits into a pattern of political engagement that Murdoch has shared with various Republican figures. Montana state Auditor James Brown played a role in coordinating the vice president's visit, offering assistance to Vance’s staff during the trip.