The lawsuit alleges that a report claiming Trump sent a personal note to Epstein in 2003 is false and defamatory, amid renewed scrutiny of Trump's ties to the late financier.
Trump Initiates Libel Case Against Murdoch Over Epstein Allegations
Trump Initiates Libel Case Against Murdoch Over Epstein Allegations
In a bold legal move, former President Donald Trump has sued Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal for libel related to a report linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump's lawsuit, filed in Miami, targets Dow Jones, News Corp, and specific journalists, while the former president denies the authenticity of the alleged note and calls for Murdoch's testimony.
In a significant escalation of tensions, former President Donald Trump has launched a libel suit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over accusations stemming from a report about a personal note Trump allegedly wrote to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The lawsuit, filed in a Miami court, invokes claims of slander against Murdoch, Dow Jones, and two reporters involved in the story, asserting that the publication is false, malicious, and defamatory.
According to the WSJ's report, Trump purportedly sent a note for Epstein's 50th birthday, which reportedly featured humorous and risqué references alongside the image of a naked woman drawn by hand. However, Trump has vehemently denied writing such a note, referring to it as a "fake" and stating, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures." This denial comes in light of a growing backlash from his supporters regarding his handling of documents related to Epstein.
Amidst calls from his loyalists for transparency regarding Epstein-related files, Trump admitted to attempts to stop the publication of the WSJ story, warning Murdoch directly of the legal consequences that would follow its release. The legal action reflects a simmering tension, as Trump aims to hold Murdoch accountable for what he describes as the publication of a "pile of garbage" news item that he believes tarnishes his reputation.
As Trump has been under pressure from supporters demanding more disclosures regarding Epstein, including related documents from Attorney General Pam Bondi, the situation poses a challenging dynamic for him. Several loyalists have raised concerns that Trump's management of the Epstein issue falls short of their expectations, potentially eroding trust among his voter base.
Trump's relationship with Murdoch has been a complex saga over the years. The media magnate played a significant role in Trump's political ascent but has grown more distant since Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Despite some reconciliatory moments, such as a public gathering at sporting events, their relationship remains strained, revealing the shifting tides in Trump’s political landscape as he battles public perception and media narratives.
Meanwhile, legislative efforts are underway in Congress to enforce transparency around Epstein-related documents, attracting bipartisan support. The ongoing public dialogue surrounding the Epstein case and Trump's connection to it is expected to maintain its relevance as both sides continue to navigate this contentious issue.
In a significant escalation of tensions, former President Donald Trump has launched a libel suit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over accusations stemming from a report about a personal note Trump allegedly wrote to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The lawsuit, filed in a Miami court, invokes claims of slander against Murdoch, Dow Jones, and two reporters involved in the story, asserting that the publication is false, malicious, and defamatory.
According to the WSJ's report, Trump purportedly sent a note for Epstein's 50th birthday, which reportedly featured humorous and risqué references alongside the image of a naked woman drawn by hand. However, Trump has vehemently denied writing such a note, referring to it as a "fake" and stating, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures." This denial comes in light of a growing backlash from his supporters regarding his handling of documents related to Epstein.
Amidst calls from his loyalists for transparency regarding Epstein-related files, Trump admitted to attempts to stop the publication of the WSJ story, warning Murdoch directly of the legal consequences that would follow its release. The legal action reflects a simmering tension, as Trump aims to hold Murdoch accountable for what he describes as the publication of a "pile of garbage" news item that he believes tarnishes his reputation.
As Trump has been under pressure from supporters demanding more disclosures regarding Epstein, including related documents from Attorney General Pam Bondi, the situation poses a challenging dynamic for him. Several loyalists have raised concerns that Trump's management of the Epstein issue falls short of their expectations, potentially eroding trust among his voter base.
Trump's relationship with Murdoch has been a complex saga over the years. The media magnate played a significant role in Trump's political ascent but has grown more distant since Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Despite some reconciliatory moments, such as a public gathering at sporting events, their relationship remains strained, revealing the shifting tides in Trump’s political landscape as he battles public perception and media narratives.
Meanwhile, legislative efforts are underway in Congress to enforce transparency around Epstein-related documents, attracting bipartisan support. The ongoing public dialogue surrounding the Epstein case and Trump's connection to it is expected to maintain its relevance as both sides continue to navigate this contentious issue.
