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Presidential Lawsuit Targets Wall Street Journal
Former President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent company, alleging defamation over reporting about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The legal action, filed in Miami, targets WSJ owner Rupert Murdoch and claims the newspaper caused "incredible reputational and financial damage."
The Controversial Birthday Card
The lawsuit centers on a WSJ article published last week detailing a 2003 birthday card Trump allegedly sent to Epstein. The report claimed the card contained a sexually suggestive drawing and referenced "delicious secrets" shared between the men. Trump vehemently denies the card's authenticity, stating the newspaper cannot prove its legitimacy.
Epstein's Troubled Legacy
Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier convicted of sex crimes, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges. His death, officially ruled a suicide, has spawned numerous conspiracy theories. Epstein maintained social connections with powerful figures including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders during his lifetime.
Political Pressure and Document Release
Following pressure from his MAGA supporters who believe the government is hiding Epstein-related information, Trump recently ordered the Justice Department to release testimonies from the Epstein case. This move came amid what Trump called "ridiculous publicity" surrounding the Epstein matter.
Unprecedented Legal Demand
The $10 billion damages claim is exceptionally large compared to previous defamation awards. For context, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was ordered to pay $1.5 billion in 2023, while Fox News settled a case for approximately $800 million that same year. Legal experts interviewed by Reuters called Trump's demand "ridiculously high."
Trump's Litigation History
This lawsuit continues Trump's pattern of legal action against media organizations. Last year, he sued Paramount for $10 billion over a CBS interview with Kamala Harris, eventually settling for $16 million earlier this month. The WSJ has stated it has "full confidence in the accuracy of our reporting" and intends to vigorously defend itself.
