MIAMI — President Donald J. Trump has launched a $10 billion lawsuit for defamation against Rupert Murdoch, News Corp, Dow Jones, and Wall Street Journal journalists Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo.
The case, filed in federal court in Florida on July 18, 2025, responds to a Wall Street Journal article published just a day earlier, which accused Trump of sending a crude birthday letter and a suggestive drawing to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
Trump denies ever sending such a letter and has called the Journal’s report “false, malicious, and defamatory.” This legal step continues Trump’s long-standing clash with major media, which he says is bent on damaging his presidency through misleading stories.
The Article in Question
The Wall Street Journal’s report focused on a batch of birthday letters for Epstein’s 50th birthday. Among them, the Journal claimed, was a letter from Trump. The story described a typed message surrounded by a sketch of a naked woman, with Trump’s first name supposedly signed in a way that mimicked pubic hair.
The letter allegedly ended with, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,” hinting at a close relationship. The article quickly rose to the top of the Journal’s most-read stories and appeared on the front page the next day, spurring outrage and immediate denial from Trump and his team.
Trump’s lawyers, led by Alejandro Brito, argue the article points fingers at Trump without proof. They say the Journal didn’t provide the actual letter, show evidence that Trump signed or wrote it, or explain how it was obtained. The suit claims, “no authentic letter or drawing exists.”
The complaint also says Murdoch and News Corp CEO Robert Thomson let the article run even after Trump’s team flagged it as a fake.
On Truth Social, Trump called the lawsuit a “POWERHOUSE” case, targeting everyone linked to the story, which he labelled “fake news.” He warned Murdoch and others to prepare for extensive depositions and testimony.
Trump’s tone in this message matches his repeated push to hold media outlets responsible for stories he says misrepresent the truth.
Trump’s Record of Fighting the Media
This suit is part of a bigger trend. Trump has taken on several major news organizations with legal complaints. In recent months, he has scored settlements that back up his claim that the media distorts the facts.
In December 2024, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation case after George Stephanopoulos was accused of misreporting the outcome of Trump’s sex abuse trial. Early in July, CBS News’ parent company, Paramount, paid $16 million to end a dispute over a “60 Minutes” segment with Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump said was misleadingly edited.
Trump and his allies use these settlements, even without admissions of guilt, to argue that the media spreads “fake news” to hurt his reputation.
Trump’s lawyers describe the Journal’s Epstein article as reckless reporting meant to smear the president, seeking at least $10 billion for financial losses and damage to Trump’s public image, especially in light of renewed attention on his past ties with Epstein.
The lawsuit, filed in Miami, may find a jury more sympathetic to Trump than those in other cities.
Key Trump supporters, such as Steve Bannon and Vice President JD Vance, have spoken out in his favour. Vance dismissed the Journal’s story as “complete and utter bullshit.”
Bannon commented that the piece has “galvanized” Trump’s backers. Influencers like Charlie Kirk and Megyn Kelly questioned whether the letter is real, noting the tone does not match how Trump usually communicates. “This is not how Trump talks at all. I don’t believe it,” Kirk posted on X.
Ongoing Disputes Over Media Bias
Trump’s suit also revives his long-held view that mainstream media are slanted against him. Throughout his time in politics, he has accused major outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, and now the Wall Street Journal, of working together to undermine him.
Trump claims the Epstein story is just the latest attempt by Democrats and the media to damage his public standing, especially while calls grow to release more files about Epstein’s crimes.
Trump’s relationship with Murdoch, whose News Corp also owns Fox News, has swung between friendly and strained. Fox News often supports Trump’s policies, but the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board has criticized him, especially over issues like the January 6 pardons and the TikTok legislation.
Despite these ups and downs, Murdoch attended Trump’s private box at the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, showing the relationship remains complex.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found 69% of Americans think the federal government is hiding information about Epstein’s connections, which has encouraged Trump’s claims of being singled out. On X, public reaction to the lawsuit is mixed. Some praise Trump for fighting “fake news,” while others stress the role of a free press.
Falling Trust in Big Media
This case comes as public faith in mainstream news drops. Trump’s recent legal wins have strengthened the idea among his followers that large outlets cannot be trusted. Critics say sensational stories like the Wall Street Journal’s Epstein piece put attention and page views ahead of careful reporting, which only further weakens trust with readers.
The Journal faced backlash for running the story without producing the alleged letter or confirming it existed. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed out that the Journal “conceded they don’t even have it in their possession.”
The lawsuit shows how journalism today can become a battleground, especially with audiences sharply split along political lines. In the newsroom, the Journal’s Epstein report was praised as “brave,” while Trump supporters say it’s yet another example of unfounded attacks. How this case ends could shape how news organizations handle stories about public figures, especially with Trump’s legal team using settlements to try to discourage negative coverage.
As the case progresses, Trump has also told Attorney General Pam Bondi to try to make grand jury testimony from the Epstein case public. He says this will address conspiracy theories among his supporters.
Legal experts, including former Palm Beach County state attorney Dave Aronberg, have doubts about whether these records will reveal anything new, and note that judges may block their release. Meanwhile, the lawsuit against Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal looks set for a high-profile court battle, with Trump insisting he will force Murdoch to testify.
At the moment, this legal fight brings fresh attention to Trump’s running clash with the press, building his narrative of being targeted, and revealing just how divided people are when it comes to believing the news. Whether the lawsuit ends in a settlement or drags on in court, it will shape ongoing debates about press freedom, media responsibility, and Trump’s legacy.
