Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against Murdoch and Wall Street Journal
Former President Denies Sending “Fake” Birthday Message to Convicted Sex Offender
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, and its parent company, Dow Jones, alleging that a recently published article falsely claimed he sent a provocative birthday message to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S., accuses the publication of slander and libel following a July article alleging a bawdy, typewritten note – framed by the outline of a nude woman – was sent by Trump to Epstein on his 50th birthday. Trump has vehemently denied the report, calling the note a fabrication.
“These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” Trump stated on social media. He further described the article as “false, malicious, defamatory” and took direct aim at Murdoch, warning he and his media allies would face “many hours of depositions and testimonies.”
The Wall Street Journal’s parent company, Dow Jones, responded to the lawsuit by standing by its journalism. “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit,” a spokesperson said.
Article’s Claims Spark Legal Battle
The article in question claimed the letter bearing Trump’s name included a satirical dialogue between Trump and Epstein, jokingly referring to aging and friendship. It reportedly ended with, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump has categorically denied ever sending such a note or creating the drawing that accompanied it. According to court filings, his legal team argues that the publication failed to verify the authenticity of the document, thereby causing reputational damage.
Legal Pressure Mounts Over Epstein Files
The lawsuit comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Justice is under increasing scrutiny over its handling of Epstein-related cases. On the same day the lawsuit was filed, the Justice Department asked a federal judge to unseal key grand jury materials from Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case, arguing that public interest in the matter outweighs the need for confidentiality.
Trump, who previously ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to support releasing Epstein-related materials, is facing pressure from supporters demanding full transparency. Some have criticized the administration’s perceived reluctance to disclose more details.
Bipartisan Push in Congress for Disclosure
Members of Congress are also rallying for greater access to Epstein case files. A “discharge petition” – which would compel the Justice Department to release extensive documentation — has drawn rare bipartisan support, including from Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D).
Meanwhile, prominent conservatives such as California gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco have voiced dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the issue. “We feel like we’re being talked down to like stupid children,” Bianco said in an interview.
A Clash With Long-Standing Media Allies
The legal dispute underscores the ongoing volatility of Trump’s relationship with Murdoch-owned media outlets. While Murdoch’s platforms, including Fox News, were once instrumental in supporting Trump’s rise to the presidency, tensions have escalated in recent years.
Despite being seen together publicly – most recently at the FIFA Club World Cup – the latest lawsuit signals a deepening rift. Trump has made it clear he intends to hold media organizations accountable for what he considers politically motivated attacks.
The case is expected to draw significant media attention, particularly as both parties prepare for what could be a high-profile courtroom battle over press freedom, parody, and public figures’ reputations.
