Donald Trump vows to sue Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over a controversial Epstein-linked letter, igniting a new rift in their long, complex relationship.
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Trump Vows to Sue Rupert Murdoch as Epstein Report Opens New Rift
President Donald Trump has launched a fiery new offensive—this time not at political opponents, but at media titan Rupert Murdoch—over a controversial birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout, triggered by a Wall Street Journal exposé, has reignited tensions between two of the most powerful figures in conservative America.
🚨 The Bombshell Report
The Wall Street Journal recently published a front-page story detailing a 2003 letter to Epstein that bore Trump’s signature and a suggestive drawing of a naked woman. The article quickly climbed the paper’s most-read list, despite a direct plea from Trump and his allies to quash it before publication.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
“I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam… But he did [publish it], and now I’m going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper.”
He continued Friday morning with:
“I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage’ newspaper, the WSJ.”
⚖️ Legal Threats—Real or Rhetorical?
Trump is no stranger to lawsuits—or threats of them. He has previously sued ABC and CBS News, both cases ending in quiet settlements. However, this time, no specific legal grounds have been cited, other than claims of “defamatory lies.”
Still, the legal rhetoric has fueled speculation about deeper fissures between Trump and Murdoch, who have alternated between being media allies and bitter adversaries.
🔄 A Complicated Relationship
The Trump–Murdoch dynamic has always been one of calculated alliance. Murdoch’s media empire—including Fox News, the New York Post, and the Journal—has historically bolstered Trump’s rise and presidency. Yet, the relationship is far from stable.
During Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, he has frequently criticized WSJ editorials, while still relying on Murdoch-owned outlets for broad support. A former Murdoch executive told CNN:
“Rupert loves to poke the president in the eye once in a while.”
🧩 Epstein Letter Sparks Intrigue
According to the WSJ, the controversial letter was part of a bawdy birthday album assembled for Epstein’s 50th birthday. Trump’s name and illustration were reportedly included, adding a layer of intrigue to their past acquaintance—though Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from Epstein in public.
Trump’s team insists the letter is fake and that both Murdoch and WSJ editor Emma Tucker were warned in advance. “Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so,” Trump’s statement said.
📉 Attempt to Stop Publication Fails
Despite high-level efforts, the Journal’s editorial team moved forward. Inside the newsroom, reporters reportedly viewed the decision as bold and courageous, given pressure from the White House.
According to insiders, Trump had personally called Murdoch to intervene, underscoring just how seriously the former president takes the story’s implications.
🧠 Historical Context
While Murdoch initially reveled in his access to Trump during the first term, their relationship fractured after the 2020 election and January 6th riot. Internal emails revealed Murdoch’s desire to “make Trump a non person,” though his outlets never completely severed ties.
As Trump regained popularity with the Republican base, Murdoch’s media slowly pivoted back—most likely out of business necessity.
🎭 Theater or Legal Storm?
Is this a real legal threat or political theater? That remains unclear. What’s evident is the growing rift between two titans of influence. Trump’s attack adds more fuel to ongoing debates over the ethical responsibilities of media, the power of billionaires, and the political weaponization of personal relationships.
As Trump eyes re-election and Murdoch passes more control to his son Lachlan, the world watches: Will this rupture end in court—or on another front page?
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What did the Wall Street Journal publish about Trump and Epstein?
The WSJ published a report about a 2003 birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, allegedly bearing Trump’s signature and a nude drawing. Trump claims the letter is fake.
Q2. Has Trump officially filed a lawsuit against Murdoch or the WSJ?
As of now, no formal lawsuit has been filed. Trump has only issued threats via Truth Social.
Q3. Why is this significant?
It sheds light on the complex relationship between Trump and Rupert Murdoch, and reignites controversy surrounding Epstein’s legacy and connections to powerful men.
Q4. What has been the reaction inside the WSJ?
Staff reportedly praised the editorial decision to publish despite White House pressure, calling it “brave.”
Q5. Has Murdoch responded to the legal threat?
Neither Murdoch nor the Wall Street Journal has publicly commented on Trump’s threats.
