Trump Sues WSJ & Murdoch for $10B Over Epstein Claim
Trump Sues Murdoch, Wall Street Journal for $10 Billion Over Epstein Report
MIAMI – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit in a Miami federal court against media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Dow Jones, News Corp, and two Wall Street Journal reporters. Trump accuses them of publishing a “false, malicious, defamatory” article linking him to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, causing immense financial and reputational harm.
The lawsuit challenges a Wall Street Journal report that included a letter allegedly written by Trump in a leather-bound birthday book for Epstein, reportedly framed by the outline of a nude woman. Trump has denied the existence or authenticity of the letter and called the report “fake news.” Reuters has not independently verified the claims in the article.
“We have just filed a POWERHOUSE lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS ‘article’ in the useless ‘rag’ that is, The Wall Street Journal,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He also warned Murdoch and his associates to prepare for lengthy legal proceedings.
A spokesperson for Dow Jones responded, stating, “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”
To succeed in the case, Trump must prove that the defendants acted with “actual malice,” a high legal bar that requires showing they knew the story was false or acted recklessly. Legal experts have noted the $10 billion figure is exceptionally high, more than the $1.5 billion judgment against Alex Jones or Fox News’ $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems.
Epstein Fallout Still Grips Public and White House
The Epstein case, reignited recently by a Justice Department memo confirming his 2019 jailhouse suicide, continues to generate public and political tension. The memo stated there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence of blackmail, contradicting long-standing conspiracy theories popular among Trump supporters.
Facing backlash over the administration’s handling of Epstein-related records, Trump on Thursday instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to request a court to unseal grand jury testimony. The Justice Department followed up with a motion on Friday in Manhattan federal court seeking to release transcripts from the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases, while promising to redact sensitive victim information.
“Public officials, lawmakers, pundits, and ordinary citizens remain deeply interested and concerned about the Epstein matter,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for assisting Epstein in the abuse of underage girls, is currently appealing her 20-year prison sentence to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump-Epstein Timeline Scrutinized
Trump’s connection to Epstein dates back to the 1990s and early 2000s. They were photographed together at social events, and in a 2002 New York Magazine profile, Trump said Epstein “likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
However, Trump has maintained that he cut ties with Epstein before his first arrest in 2006. “I had a falling out with him. I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his,” Trump said in 2019.
The lawsuit argues that the Journal’s claims — particularly regarding the alleged letter — are unsubstantiated and intended to damage Trump’s reputation as he campaigns for the presidency in 2024.
Whether or not the grand jury documents will be made public remains unclear, as a judge must still approve the request. Nonetheless, the case underscores how the Epstein scandal continues to influence American politics, media, and public trust.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
