Donald Trump has initiated a lawsuit for $10 billion against Dow Jones, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, and its owner Rupert Murdoch. The lawsuit arises from an article that alleges Trump wrote a scandalous note to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former president asserts the publication falsely claimed he sent a birthday message to Epstein back in 2003, before Epstein faced any sex crime charges, branding the note as "fake."
In a social media statement, Trump expressed his disdain for the Wall Street Journal, referring to it as a "useless rag" and challenged Murdoch and his associates to prepare for extensive legal scrutiny as the lawsuit unfolds. Dow Jones, in a response, expressed confidence in the credibility of its reporting, promising a robust defense against the allegations.
The contentious relationship between Trump and Murdoch has seen various highs and lows through the years, with Murdoch's media outlets often seen as influential in Trump's political career. According to the WSJ, the disputed letter purportedly featured a crude illustration and a typewritten note that gave a humorous nod to the idea that "enigmas never age," ending with a contradictory birthday message.
Following the article's publication, Trump immediately refuted any connection to the note, distancing himself from the language used, which he described as uncharacteristic and emphasized that he does not engage in "drawing pictures." Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Justice sought to unseal files relating to Epstein, which has become a focal point of concern and speculation within Trump's supporter base.
The pressure for more transparency in the Epstein case has been escalating among Trump’s loyal followers, resulting in calls for Attorney General Pam Bondi's resignation due to her reversal on releasing certain Epstein-related documents. Notably, pressure from both Republican and Democratic officials in Congress is mounting, as they push for a "discharge petition" aimed at compelling Bondi to publish a broader range of Epstein-related materials. This growing bipartisan effort highlights the significance of the Epstein narrative within the current political discourse surrounding Trump and the 2020 election aftermath.
