President Donald Trump initiated a defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, and owner Rupert Murdoch, seeking at least $10 billion in damages. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida federal court, addresses a July 17 article claiming Trump sent a sexually suggestive birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, featuring a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman. Trump denies authoring the letter, calling the report “false, malicious, and defamatory” in a Truth Social post, where he also expressed anticipation for Murdoch’s testimony. The complaint alleges the newspaper and its reporters knowingly published inaccurate statements, causing significant financial and reputational harm. Dow Jones responded with confidence in the accuracy of its reporting, pledging a vigorous defense. This legal action follows Trump’s recent settlement with ABC News for $15 million over a defamation claim and comes amid pressure from supporters to release Epstein-related documents. On the same day, the Justice Department, at Trump’s direction, filed a motion to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Epstein’s case, citing public interest, with plans to redact victim identities. The lawsuit names two Journal reporters, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, and includes additional corporate entities. Legal experts note Florida law requires a five-day notice before filing defamation suits, raising questions about the case’s timing. The suit reflects Trump’s ongoing pattern of legal challenges against media outlets, with prior cases against CBS and the Des Moines Register.
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