Trump Sues Murdoch & WSJ for $10 B Over Epstein Article
On July 18, 2025, President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida. The defendants include Rupert Murdoch, Dow Jones & Co. (WSJ’s publisher), News Corp, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo. The lawsuit challenges a Wall Street Journal article that claimed he wrote and signed a lurid 2003 birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein—complete with a nude-woman doodle and suggestive message. Trump denies any involvement, labeling the story a “fake thing” full of malicious intent. Why This Matters Reputation & legal leverage: Trump accuses the defendants of reckless defamation, calling it a “POWERHOUSE Lawsuit” meant to restore his image and deter future “fake news.” Media relations tension: WSJ and Dow Jones defend their reporting and plan to aggressively defend the claim. Murdoch is expected to testify. Epstein transparency battle: Trump also urged Attorney General Pam […]