Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a report linking him to Jeffrey Epstein via a 2003 birthday letter. Get the full details.
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Trump Sues Wall Street Journal for $10 Billion Over Epstein Birthday Letter Story
In a legal and political firestorm, former President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and its parent company, News Corp, following the publication of a controversial article that connects him to Jeffrey Epstein through a 2003 birthday letter.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims the story is a “malicious fabrication” designed to damage Trump’s reputation ahead of the 2024 election cycle and intentionally misleads the public by suggesting an inappropriate relationship between Trump and the late financier and convicted sex offender.
Background: The Wall Street Journal’s Controversial Report
On July 15, 2025, the Wall Street Journal published a story titled “Inside the Epstein Archives: Unseen Letters, Drawings, and Guest Lists”. Among its revelations was an excerpt from a handwritten birthday letter that allegedly bore Trump’s name and included a sketch of a nude woman, reportedly gifted to Jeffrey Epstein.
The article didn’t claim Trump wrote the letter himself, but heavily implied his involvement by highlighting the signature and style similarities, supported by anonymous sources close to Epstein’s inner circle.
The letter was said to be one of dozens unearthed from Epstein’s private collection following multiple FBI raids. While most of the materials are still sealed from the public, several items have been leaked through anonymous informants.
Trump Responds: “A Complete Scam”
Hours after the story went live, Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, calling the article:
“A complete scam, fake news at its worst. I told Rupert Murdoch not to run this garbage — but he did anyway. Now they’ll pay.”
According to legal filings, Trump claims the Wall Street Journal published the article with “actual malice” — a legal standard that requires proving the media outlet knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
The lawsuit also names Rupert Murdoch personally, accusing him of orchestrating a media smear campaign against Trump as part of an internal political shift within News Corp.
Legal Claims in the $10 Billion Lawsuit
Trump’s legal team, led by conservative attorney Alina Habba, outlines several causes of action in the complaint:https://jobseekersconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Trump-Sues-Wall-Street-Journal-for-10-Billion-Over-Epstein-Letter-Story.webp
- Defamation: For knowingly publishing false information that damages Trump’s reputation.
- Invasion of Privacy: By linking Trump to Epstein in a misleading context.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Arguing the WSJ intended to emotionally harm Trump with sensationalized reporting.
- Civil Conspiracy: Against both the WSJ and its parent company News Corp.
The lawsuit demands $10 billion in compensatory and punitive damages, which Trump’s lawyers argue reflects the magnitude of harm to his public image and political prospects.
WSJ & News Corp Respond
In a brief statement, a WSJ spokesperson said:
“We stand by our reporting. The article was fact-checked and legally vetted before publication. Any suggestion that the piece was false or malicious is unfounded.”
Murdoch has not responded directly, but insiders suggest the media mogul is unshaken by the lawsuit and views it as a PR stunt by Trump to energize his base and discredit mainstream media.
Epstein and Trump: A Complicated History
The Epstein-Trump connection has long been a source of controversy and speculation. The two were known to socialize in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with photographs of them attending the same parties surfacing multiple times. However, by the mid-2000s, their relationship reportedly soured.
In 2002, Trump told New York Magazine:
“I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
Trump has since distanced himself from Epstein, claiming he banned him from Mar-a-Lago and had no involvement in his criminal activities.
Political Ramifications
The timing of the lawsuit is not lost on political analysts. Trump is currently the leading GOP candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, and anything linking him to Epstein — no matter how indirectly — is politically toxic.
Critics argue that the lawsuit is an attempt to silence critical media, while supporters believe it’s a necessary stand against biased reporting and deep-state tactics aimed at derailing Trump’s re-election campaign.
If the case proceeds to trial, it could trigger massive public scrutiny and depositions that bring new information to light — potentially backfiring on both sides.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal scholars are divided on the strength of Trump’s lawsuit.
- Alan Dershowitz, a constitutional lawyer and occasional Trump defender, said: “This will be a hard case to win, but not impossible. If Trump can prove actual malice — and that’s a big if — he might have a real shot.”
- Laurence Tribe, a Harvard law professor, disagreed: “This is legal theatrics. The First Amendment gives very strong protections to the press, and Trump knows that.”
The Murdoch-Trump Rift Deepens
Once seen as media allies, Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump have grown increasingly estranged. Murdoch’s properties, including Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, have taken a more skeptical tone toward Trump in recent years — particularly after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Trump has reportedly told confidants that Murdoch has “betrayed” him, and this lawsuit might be a final break in what was once a mutually beneficial relationship.
What Happens Next?
Legal proceedings in high-profile defamation cases can take months or even years to resolve. Some possible scenarios include:
- Early Dismissal: The court could throw out the case, ruling that the WSJ’s article was protected under the First Amendment.
- Settlement: Unlikely, but not impossible. News Corp may settle privately to avoid further public spectacle.
- Full Trial: If the case moves forward, both parties would face depositions, document discovery, and courtroom drama — all under the media’s microscope.
Trump’s team says they are fully prepared to go to trial, while WSJ remains confident the lawsuit will be dismissed.
Conclusion
Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over the Epstein birthday letter story is more than just a legal battle — it’s a collision of politics, media, and public perception.
While the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: this case is set to dominate headlines, deepen divides, and test the boundaries of press freedom vs. personal reputation in the digital age.
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FAQs
Q1: Why did Trump sue the Wall Street Journal?
A: He sued over a July 2025 article that linked him to Jeffrey Epstein through a 2003 birthday letter. Trump claims the report was false and defamatory.
Q2: How much is Trump asking for?
A: The lawsuit seeks $10 billion in damages.
Q3: Did the Wall Street Journal retract the story?
A: No. The WSJ says it stands by its reporting and denies any wrongdoing.
Q4: What’s the political impact of the lawsuit?
A: It may energize Trump’s base and reinforce his anti-media narrative ahead of the 2024 election.
Q5: Is there proof that Trump wrote the letter to Epstein?
A: No conclusive proof has been made public. The letter cited in the WSJ article only bore Trump’s name, and its origin remains under investigation.
