President Trump orders DOJ to unseal Epstein grand jury documents, threatens lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over birthday letter story. Full breakdown.
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President Donald Trump Calls for Release of Epstein Files, Threatens WSJ with Lawsuit
In the latest twist in the ongoing Epstein saga, President Donald Trump has intensified the spotlight on both Jeffrey Epstein and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Trump has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval for unsealing “pertinent” grand jury records related to Epstein—a move he says will satisfy mounting demands for transparency. Simultaneously, Trump has threatened a $10 billion lawsuit against the WSJ and Rupert Murdoch, accusing them of publishing a fabricated story about a 2003 “bawdy” birthday letter allegedly from him to Epstein.
This two-pronged strategy—legal escalation and public demand for documents—illustrates Trump’s aggressive response to the resurfacing of the Epstein affair, just as it begins to impact his political base and policy agenda.
🧩 1. The WSJ Story and the Leaked Birthday Letter
On July 15, 2025, the Wall Street Journal published a detailed report alleging that a leather-bound birthday album assembled by Ghislaine Maxwell included a suggestive letter allegedly signed “Donald” and adorned with a crude sketch of a naked woman. The letter reportedly reads, “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret,” nestled inside an outline of a nude figure.
Trump has vehemently denied any involvement, calling the story “fake, malicious, and defamatory.” He issued a statement labeling the report as “FAKE NEWS” and confirmed he had warned Rupert Murdoch prior to publication.
⚖️ 2. Lawsuit Threat: $10 Billion in the Balance
On July 18, Trump took formal legal action by filing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against:
- The Wall Street Journal
- Dow Jones
- News Corp
- Rupert Murdoch
- WSJ CEO Robert Thomson
- Reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, accuses the defendants of knowingly publishing false, reputation-damaging allegations without credible evidence. It claims no direct view or reliable description of the letter was obtained, making the story reckless and harmful.
To succeed, Trump must demonstrate “actual malice”—that the WSJ knew the story was false or recklessly ignored evidence to the contrary.
📂 3. Trump’s Push for Epstein Records
Alongside legal action, Trump has publicly urged the Department of Justice to release grand jury transcripts related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He instructed AG Bondi to file the necessary court request.
The DOJ followed suit, filing a motion in Manhattan federal court to unseal the records, emphasizing public interest and promising to redact victim-identifying details.
⚠️ 4. Political Crosscurrents and Base Backlash
Trump’s hard-line moves come amid rising frustration among MAGA supporters, many of whom feel the Epstein files hold pivotal, undisclosed truths—especially they hoped to find a “client list” connecting elite figures to Epstein. The DOJ’s July 7 memo declared no such list exists, igniting backlash from Trump loyalists.
Trump responded sharply, calling critics “radical left lunatics” and “troublemakers” who will never be satisfied.
🏛️ 5. Legal Maze: Secrecy vs. Transparency
Unsealing grand jury transcripts is rarely straightforward. While the DOJ argues public interest justifies the release, federal rules afford broad secrecy protections. A judge may approve partial disclosure but likely with redactions to preserve the identities of minors and victims. ReutersReuters
Trump’s decision to name the motion U.S.-wide rather than tied to special counsel suggests strategic media framing, as court battles loom.
🧠 6. Base Reactions: Mixed Loyalty
Notably, several MAGA figures—including Vice President J.D. Vance, Elon Musk, and Laura Loomer—publicly defended Trump, raising questions about the veracity of the WSJ letter. VP Vance told CNBC the letter didn’t sound like Trump’s style and WSJ should be “ashamed.”
Still, this episode has fractured the MAGA base, with some supporters accusing Trump of backtracking—having previously declined to release the files, only to reverse course amid growing criticism.
🕰️ 7. Historical Ties: Trump and Epstein
Trump’s relationship with Epstein dates back to the 1990s, including shared social circles and comments that once praised Epstein. However, he claimed they had a falling out by 2002.
In 2002, Trump told New York Magazine, “Terrific guy… he likes beautiful women as much as I do.” Yet in recent years, he dismissed Epstein as someone he distanced from. Epstei n died by suicide in 2019.
🔮 8. Broader Impact on Media & Politics
📐 Press-Freedom Stakes
A $10 billion verdict would shatter all U.S. defamation precedent—an Alex Jones-style judgment against a major newsnetwork settled for $1.5 billion.
News organizations worry this could chill investigative reporting nationwide.
🗳️ Election Implications
With the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential campaign on the horizon, Epstein revelations could hurt Trump electorally—especially among moderates and independents—while solidifying anti-establishment sentiment among core supporters.
⏭️ 9. What Happens Next?
- Judicial proceedings: WSJ and News Corp will vigorously defend the story’s accuracy in court.
- Motions over records: Court may release redacted grand jury transcripts.
- Media exposure: Expect depositions, internal memos, and leaked communications to drive headlines.
- Political fallout: Shifting alliances and public skepticism could reshape Trump’s support.
✅ Summary
- Trump is suing the WSJ for $10 billion, alleging defamatory claims about an explicit 2003 letter to Epstein.
- He has ordered DOJ to unseal Epstein grand jury files, casting critics as insatiable and reckless.
- The move poses high stakes for press freedom, legal secrecy, and Trump’s political image as both an insider and populist.
- Supporters and critics alike remain deeply divided, reflecting broader tensions over Trump’s handling of the Epstein scandal.
This dual-pronged action from Trump turns up the heat in one of the most consequential media-legal showdowns of the year—and could significantly influence how the Epstein story evolves before the next election.
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🔍 FAQs
Q1: What did Trump demand be released?
A: He asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek out and release “pertinent” Epstein grand jury records in a request filed in federal court.
Q2: Why is he threatening a WSJ lawsuit?
A: Trump claims the WSJ published a fabricated birthday letter allegedly from him to Epstein—a story he says damaged his reputation.
Q3: How much is he suing for?
A: $10 billion in defamation damages.
Q4: Will the Epstein files actually be released?
A: Possibly in redacted form—courts typically balance grand jury secrecy with public interest.
Q5: What does this mean for Trump’s base?
A: It may energize his anti-media supporters, but also risk alienating moderates concerned about transparency.
