Trump sued WSJ, Murdoch over Epstein article controversy

Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Dow Jones, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, and its owner Rupert Murdoch over an article that claimed he wrote a "bawdy" note to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The article alleged that a birthday greeting bearing Trump's name was sent to Epstein in 2003, which Trump denies, calling it "fake." The lawsuit claims the publication slandered him and violated libel laws. A Dow Jones spokesperson stated they have "full confidence in the rigor and accuracy" of their reporting and will "vigorously defend" against the lawsuit. The lawsuit comes as the US Justice Department has asked a judge to unseal material related to Epstein, amid intense criticism of Trump's handling of the case.

Steve Bannon believes a recent Wall Street Journal report about a birthday letter allegedly written by President Donald Trump and given to Jeffrey Epstein has united Trump's base, which had shown signs of fraying. The report is the latest controversy surrounding Trump's connection to Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker. Bannon joined other MAGA influencers in defending Trump, while some Trump supporters are criticizing the administration's handling of the Epstein case, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene warning of potential "blowback" from the right wing of the party.

Donald Trump claimed he never "wrote a picture" in response to a Wall Street Journal report about a letter to Jeffrey Epstein with a crude drawing. However, a charity director revealed that Trump sent her two signed drawings in 2004 for an Ohio charity auction. The drawings, which featured the New York City skyline, were done with a gold sharpie and included a signed waiver authenticating them. Other Trump drawings have also sold at auction for thousands of dollars, contradicting Trump's denial that he draws.

Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, and two of its reporters, claiming defamation over a report that he wrote a letter to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as a birthday gift in 2003. Trump denies writing the letter, calling it "fake" and stating that it was not in his style. The lawsuit, filed in Miami, alleges that the defendants acted with malicious intent and caused Trump significant financial and reputational harm. Trump announced the lawsuit on Truth Social, calling it "historic legal action" on behalf of himself and "all Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media".