Aides to Paul, Murdoch and Ailes did not immediately respond to requests for comment. | AP Photos Paul meets with Murdoch, Ailes

Sen. Rand Paul, who’s made no secret of exploring a 2016 presidential run, recently met privately with News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch and Fox News head Roger Ailes, POLITICO has learned.

The meetings — Paul sat down with each man separately — came as Kentucky Republican and tea party favorite has been working to smooth concerns among Republicans and influencers about whether he shares his famous libertarian father’s views on issues like national security.


Murdoch and Ailes have both historically had a good relationship with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Ailes reportedly was part of a group of elites urging Christie to run for president against lukewarm front-runner Mitt Romney in 2011.

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But Murdoch made clear how displeased he was last year when Christie embraced President Barack Obama immediately after Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey.

Murdoch tweeted at the time that “while thanking O, must re-declare for Romney or take blame for next four dire years.” Christie, according to The New York Times, called Murdoch just before the election and made his case for needing support after the hurricane, but the media titan told the governor that he needed to reiterate his support of Romney. Christie eventually did.

Still, Christie has come under criticism from some conservatives during his reelection battle, including over the Obama embrace.

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Aides to Paul, Murdoch and Ailes did not immediately respond to requests for comment.