Former U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and several individuals, including Rupert Murdoch and two reporters. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, seeks at least $10 billion in damages and centers on a report alleging Trump's involvement with financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The Wall Street Journal published an article detailing a letter purportedly sent by Trump to Epstein in 2003, which allegedly contained suggestive content. Trump has vehemently denied authoring the letter, labeling the report as false and defamatory. In response, he has filed a lawsuit against the publication and its affiliates, asserting that the article was intended to damage his reputation.
In addition to the lawsuit, Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to seek the unsealing of grand jury transcripts related to Epstein's case. This move aims to address public interest and concerns regarding the Epstein matter. The Justice Department has filed a motion in Manhattan federal court to unseal these documents, with the goal of providing transparency and addressing the public's questions about the case.
The legal actions taken by Trump reflect ongoing tensions between the former president and media organizations. This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of confrontations involving Trump and various media outlets, highlighting the complex relationship between public figures and the press.
As of July 29, 2025, the lawsuit is ongoing, with no recent developments reported. The case continues to draw attention, raising questions about the boundaries of press freedom and the responsibilities of media organizations in their reporting.