President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against media mogul Rupert Murdoch, News Corp, and The Wall Street Journal following a recent article that reignited controversy surrounding Trump’s alleged ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The Wall Street Journal published a story alleging that Trump sent Epstein a 2003 birthday letter featuring a suggestive drawing of a naked woman paired with a message reading, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump vehemently denies authoring the letter, calling the story “false, malicious, and defamatory
I never wrote a picture in my life,” Trump stated in a public response. “I don’t draw pictures of women. It’s not my language. It’s not my words.” He accused Murdoch and the Journal of fabricating sources and vowed to pursue lawsuits for defamation.
The development marks a rare rupture between Trump and Murdoch, once considered media allies, amid ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to powerful figures. Trump dismissed claims that the letter or other Epstein documents contain a “smoking gun” against him, arguing, “If such evidence existed, the Democrats would have revealed it long ago.”
In addition to disputing the letter’s authenticity, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval to unseal additional grand jury testimony related to Epstein, signaling a willingness to address transparency concerns.
Legal experts note that while Trump’s threats of litigation may escalate tensions, such lawsuits face significant hurdles. Meanwhile, public interest in the Epstein case remains high, fueled by ongoing calls for disclosure of all relevant documents.