International: Trump Sues WSJ for $10B Over Epstein Letter Claims
President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, over a report alleging he sent a suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The legal action, lodged in Miami’s federal court, intensifies scrutiny over Trump’s past ties to the convicted sex offender.
Lawsuit Targets Media Giants
Trump’s 18-page complaint names The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch, CEO Robert Thomson, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo. He alleges the report caused reputational and financial harm through “false, malicious, and defamatory” claims.
Controversial Birthday Letter
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump contributed a letter to a 2003 birthday album for Epstein’s 50th, featuring a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman and signed “Donald.” The note allegedly ended with, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump’s Denial and Outrage
Trump vehemently denied authoring the letter, calling it a “fake” and asserting it does not reflect his language or style. He claimed to have warned Murdoch and editor Emma Tucker against publication, vowing to pursue legal recourse.
Epstein Case Context
Epstein, charged with sex trafficking in 2019, died by suicide in jail, fueling conspiracy theories about his high-profile associates. Trump, once photographed with Epstein, insists their friendship ended in 2006 over financial disputes.
Political and Public Backlash
The report has reignited tensions within Trump’s base, with supporters like Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk dismissing the letter’s authenticity. Vice President JD Vance labeled the story “complete and utter bullshit” on X.
Justice Department’s Response
Amid pressure, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek unsealing of Epstein’s grand jury testimony, citing public interest. The Justice Department filed a motion on July 18, 2025, though judicial approval remains uncertain.
Murdoch’s Media Empire
The lawsuit strains Trump’s historically volatile relationship with Murdoch, whose News Corp owns conservative outlets like Fox News. A Dow Jones spokesperson defended the Journal’s reporting, vowing a vigorous legal defense.
Broader Implications
Trump’s legal action, part of a pattern of media lawsuits, follows recent settlements with ABC and CBS. The case could impact press freedom and public discourse on Epstein’s legacy.