“Rupert Murdoch is in a class by himself, he’s an amazing guy,” President Trump said of the conservative media magnate, who sat smiling in the Oval Office this week as the newly elected president sang his praises.

Moments later, when a reporter in the room asked about a recent editorial in Murdoch’s The Wall Street Journal that argued the president’s trade proposals would lead to “the dumbest trade war in history,” Trump sang a different tune.

“I’m going to have to talk to him,” the president said.

“I’ve been right over The Wall Street Journal a number of times,” Trump said smirking in Murdoch’s direction as the White House pool cameras rolled. “I don’t agree with him on some things.”

Trump’s playful and public ribbing of one of the world’s most prominent media moguls underscored the years-long on-again, off-again relationship between the president and publishing tycoon, one that political and media observers told The Hill this week has reached a critical new stage.

“Trump knows Murdoch is still very powerful in the realm that he places more importance on than any other: the media. So, there are going to be risks to alienating him personally,” said Grant Reeher, a political scientist and senior research associate at the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

“For Murdoch, there’s no value in getting more verbal about his personal feelings on Trump. He’s always been in a stronger position letting his publications do the talking.”

© The Hill