Who is Rupert Murdoch? Media giant sued by Trump over WSJ's Epstein letter; MAGA chief calls paper ‘pile of garbage' after row
The case stems from a recent Wall Street Journal report involving Jeffrey Epstein and a birthday letter allegedly written by Trump in 2003. Trump had reportedly asked Rupert Murdoch not to release or publish the article, calling it fake. However, the piece was published on Thursday, followed by a quick wave of attacks from the MAGA base.
In a Truth Social post, Trump himself confirmed that he is suing Murdoch.
"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.
This historic legal action is being brought against the so-called authors of this defamation, the now fully disgraced WSJ, as well as its corporate owners and affiliates, with Rupert Murdoch and Robert Thomson (whatever his role is!) at the top of the list," The MAGA chief said.
Who is Rupert Murdoch?
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American business tycoon renowned for establishing one of the world's largest media empires. He owns Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and numerous media outlets in the UK and Australia.
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Though often associated with right-leaning coverage, Murdoch's companies have occasionally drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters, especially when the coverage doesn't align with their views. This isn't the first time Trump has clashed with Murdoch's empire, but the Epstein case has raised the stakes.
Murdoch has had a complex relationship with Trump, promoting his rise in 2016, but later falling out over the 2020 election and its aftermath.
Murdoch, 93, is one of the most powerful media barons in the world.
What did the WSJ report say?
The Wall Street Journal on Thursday published a detailed piece claiming it had reviewed a leather-bound birthday album created for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. According to the report, the album was organised by Ghislaine Maxwell and included notes from Epstein's high-profile friends. One of those notes was allegedly from Donald Trump.
The WSJ said the page attributed to Trump featured 'several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, drawn in thick black marker.'
The report added, 'A pair of small arcs denotes the woman's breasts, and the future president's signature is a squiggly 'Donald' below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.' The note was said to be written in a third-person style, imagining a conversation between Trump and Epstein.
It ends with the line: 'A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.'
Trump and MAGA allies hit back
Trump and several of his close allies responded quickly to the report.
The GOP leader has denied any wrongdoing and launched a lawsuit against The WSJ and its parent company, News Corp, which is run by Rupert Murdoch.
The lawsuit accuses the WSJ of defamation and claims the letter has been taken out of context or is possibly fake. Trump's legal team said the article was part of a politically motivated attack. 'President Trump never wrote such a message,' said a statement from his spokesperson.
'This is another disgusting smear from the corrupt media.'
Supporters in the MAGA movement, including JD Vance, Karoline Leavitt, Laura Loomer, have also flooded social media, calling for an investigation into how the Journal got access to the letter and demanding that Murdoch be held accountable.
The
Epstein scandal
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender who was arrested in 2019 on charges of running a sex-trafficking ring involving underage girls.
He had close ties with many wealthy and powerful men, including Trump, former US prez Bill Clinton, and Britain's Prince Andrew.
Epstein died in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but it has sparked years of conspiracy theories, particularly among both the left and right. Some Democrats believe he was murdered to prevent him from naming others. Trump's base often claims Epstein was part of a larger elite pedophile network.
The resurfacing of Epstein's files, including flight logs, visitor lists, and personal messages, continues to keep the scandal in the news. The 2003 letter allegedly signed by Trump has now become another flashpoint.
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