Key Facts
• July 18, 2025: Trump files lawsuit in Florida federal court.
• Seeks over $10 billion in damages for alleged defamation.
• Targets Wall Street Journal, its publisher, and Rupert Murdoch.
• Disputed article published July 17, 2025, by WSJ.
• Article claims Trump wrote a “vulgar” message in Epstein’s 2003 album.
• Album reportedly included drawings of nude women with Trump’s signature.
• Trump expressed eagerness to have Murdoch testify in court.
Summary
Former U.S. President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit on July 18, 2025, against the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), its publisher, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, seeking over $10 billion in damages. The lawsuit, submitted to a Florida federal court, accuses the WSJ of defamation over a July 17 article. The report alleged that Trump contributed a “vulgar” message to a 2003 album celebrating Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday, alongside drawings of nude women. Trump criticized the article as damaging to his reputation and expressed anticipation for Murdoch’s testimony. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and major media outlets.
