President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Dow Jones and its owner Rupert Murdoch, accusing them of publishing a false story linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The suit targets The Wall Street Journal, owned by Dow Jones, for an article alleging Trump sent Epstein a “bawdy” birthday greeting in 2003. Trump denies the claim and called the note “fake,” insisting it does not reflect his language or writing style.
“We have just filed a powerhouse Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, fake news ‘article’ in the useless ‘rag’ that is, The Wall Street Journal,” Trump posted on social media. “I hope Rupert and his ‘friends’ are looking forward to the many hours of depositions and testimonies they will have to provide in this case.”
According to the Journal, the note allegedly included typewritten text within an outline of a naked woman and ended with, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The paper claims it was styled as an imaginary dialogue between Trump and Epstein.
A spokesperson for Dow Jones said they stand by their story: “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”
The legal battle unfolds as the Justice Department pushes to unseal transcripts from Epstein’s 2019 grand jury proceedings. Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to request the release, citing public interest. The DOJ is also seeking disclosures related to Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
While grand jury materials are usually confidential, a judge can make exceptions. It remains unclear whether the documents will be released or what they contain.
Trump’s move comes amid pressure from both his allies and critics to increase transparency around Epstein’s connections. Some supporters have expressed frustration with Bondi, with calls for her resignation following delays in releasing certain records.
A rare bipartisan push in Congress is also underway, as lawmakers seek to force the release of additional documents through a discharge petition supported by figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
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