Trump Targets Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Murdoch in Defamation Lawsuit

President Donald Trump has vowed to take legal action against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), its parent company NewsCorp, and owner Rupert Murdoch over a report claiming he sent a provocative letter to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. Published on July 17, 2025, the WSJ article alleges the letter included a hand-drawn sketch of a naked woman and suggestive text about shared interests. Trump has denied the claims, calling the letter “fabricated” and announcing plans to sue for defamation.

What the Alleged Letter Contains

The WSJ report details a letter allegedly included in a leather-bound album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 2003 birthday. The document reportedly features a drawing of a naked woman signed “Donald” near the figure’s waist, accompanied by typewritten text implying a conversation between Trump and Epstein about mutual interests. The letter allegedly ends with, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The WSJ states the letter was examined by the Justice Department during its Epstein and Maxwell investigations.

Trump has rejected these claims, stating on Truth Social, “I never drew a picture of a woman, and I didn’t write that letter. It’s a complete fake.” He argued that if such a document existed, it would have surfaced during prior political attacks against him.

Trump’s Legal Strategy and Response

Trump personally contacted WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker and Rupert Murdoch to warn them the letter was fraudulent, but the outlet published the story regardless. “The Wall Street Journal and Murdoch were told directly by me that this letter is fake, yet they ran with it,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I’m suing them and their failing newspaper for everything they’ve got.”

This isn’t Trump’s first legal battle with media giants. He recently secured settlements of $15 million from ABC News and $16 million from CBS News’ parent company, Paramount. Trump has also instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue the release of Epstein-related grand jury testimony, though legal experts question the feasibility due to strict confidentiality rules.

Public and Political Fallout

The WSJ’s report has stirred controversy, reigniting discussions about Trump’s past ties to Epstein, who died in 2019. The story has polarized Trump’s supporters, with figures like Vice President JD Vance calling it “fake news” on X, while others urge the release of Epstein-related documents for transparency. Trump has dismissed the broader Epstein narrative as a “Democrat-driven hoax” and criticized his base for amplifying it.

The timing is significant, as Murdoch and Trump were recently seen together at the FIFA Club World Cup Final, highlighting their complex relationship. Murdoch’s outlets, including Fox News, have often backed Trump, but tensions have grown during his second term.

What Happens Next?

As Trump gears up for a legal showdown, the WSJ’s claims have sparked heated debate over media credibility and political accountability. Efforts to unseal Epstein-related records could intensify scrutiny, though significant hurdles remain.

Stay updated with ClickUSANews for the latest on this explosive story and its impact on U.S. politics.