Donald Trump filed a sweeping lawsuit against media magnate Rupert Murdoch, News Corp, Dow Jones, and two Wall Street Journal reporters on Friday, escalating the fallout from a story that detailed a risqué letter allegedly written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
The suit, filed in federal court in southern Florida, accuses the Journal’s parent companies and Murdoch of assault, libel, and slander, according to court documents.
Specifics of the formal complaint are not yet public, but the legal action comes a day after the publication of a Wall Street Journal report that has reignited controversy over Trump’s ties to the disgraced financier.
WSJ report reveals provocative letter
On Thursday evening, the Wall Street Journal revealed it had reviewed a 2003 birthday letter from Trump to celebrate Epstein’s 50th birthday.
According to the report, the letter contained typed text bordered by a sketch of a naked woman, and concluded with Trump’s signature and a note: “Happy Birthday — may every day be another wonderful secret”.
The letter was reportedly part of an album compiled for Epstein by associates, including convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell.
Trump calls letter “fake,” threatens lawsuit
In the hours before publication, Trump and his team repeatedly lobbied Murdoch, WSJ editor Emma Tucker, and News Corp CEO Robert Thomson to halt the story, calling the allegations “false, malicious, and defamatory”.
After the article appeared, Trump denounced the story on his Truth Social platform, insisting the letter was fabricated and that he never used such language or drew the illustration.
He warned he would “sue [Murdoch’s] ass off, and that of his third-rate newspaper.”
Murdoch and WSJ decline public comment
Spokespeople for Murdoch, News Corp, and Dow Jones declined to comment on the lawsuit or the report.
The White House also did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the president’s reaction.
Broader context: Epstein fallout and DOJ memo
The lawsuit surfaces as the Trump administration works to manage repercussions from a recent Department of Justice and FBI memo that stated there is no substantiated “client list” linked to Epstein or credible evidence of blackmail involving prominent figures—a reversal from Trump’s prior pledges to release related files.
Attorney General Pam Bondi noted earlier in the year that a so-called “client list” was under her review, further fueling speculation and political tension.
Next steps in legal battle remain unclear
With the full details of Trump’s lawsuit under seal, it’s uncertain how quickly the case will move forward in Florida’s Southern District.
Legal experts say the high-profile legal standoff underscores the fraught relationship between Trump and Murdoch’s media empire.
The Wall Street Journal maintains it stands by its reporting, while Trump vows to pursue the matter in court, calling for Murdoch himself to testify.
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