Latest news with #RileyGaines
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Riley Gaines Tells Trump To Sue Rupert Murdoch, Her Boss, 'Into Oblivion'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Right-wing activist Riley Gaines urged President Donald Trump to sue media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who is Gaines' boss, "into oblivion" after the Wall Street Journal published an explosive story about a "bawdy" letter that Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Newsweek reached out to the Journal's parent company, NewsCorp, for comment via email on Friday. The Context The president has raged against Murdoch and the Journal since the publication reported that Trump sent the late disgraced businessman and sex offender a letter for his 50th birthday that featured several lines of typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, sketched in marker, and included Trump's signature. "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret," the letter said, according to the report. Trump told the Journal he would file a lawsuit if it published its story about the letter, which he said was "fake," and added in a Truth Social post that the newspaper had put out "defamatory lies" about him. President Donald Trump acknowledges Riley Gaines as he speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women's or girls' sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday,... President Donald Trump acknowledges Riley Gaines as he speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women's or girls' sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. More Alex Brandon/AP What To Know Gaines, an anti-trans activist and conservative influencer, is a host on the OutKick streaming service, which is owned by Murdoch's Fox Corporation. The former competitive swimmer publicly backed Trump's legal threats against her boss, NewsCorp and the Journal in a Thursday evening X post. "Sue them into oblivion," Gaines wrote, accompanied by a screenshot of Trump's screen on Truth Social. Her comments were a departure from statements she made one day earlier criticizing the president for calling members of the MAGA base "stupid and foolish" for being dissatisfied with the Department of Justice's conclusion that Epstein died by suicide and that the government was not in possession of an "incriminating" list of his clients. "Was it stupid & foolish when he campaigned on releasing the files?"Gaines wrote, referring to Trump. "Are [Attorney General] Pam Bondi, [FBI Director] Kash Patel, [FBI deputy director] Dan Bongino, and [interim U.S. attorney] Alina Habba all foolish & stupid for peddling this for the past 6 months? Why on earth is he doing this?" Gaines' criticism of the president added another layer to the firestorm of blowback Trump has gotten from his loyalists over the DOJ released its memo about Epstein last week. The two-page document flew in the face of years of conspiracy theories amplified by Trump's allies—including Bondi, Patel and Vice President JD Vance—suggesting that Epstein was murdered as part of a vast government cover-up. Trump, for his part, has alternated between saying there are no Epstein files, calling the investigation that his own officials hyped up a "hoax," and claiming that the files are part of a Democratic effort to undermine his presidency. The Journal's reporting, meanwhile, complicated the president's efforts to distance himself from Epstein, whom he called a "creep" last week while denigrating the media's focus on his administration's handling of the investigation into the financier's death. The president said after the story was published that he had "personally" warned the outlet and Murdoch before they printed the report that he would sue them if they pressed ahead with publication, and said that Murdoch had assured him that he would "take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so." "The Press has to learn to be truthful, and not rely on sources that probably don't even exist," he wrote on Truth Social on Thursday evening, adding that he "looks forward to suing and holding accountable the once great Wall Street Journal." What People Are Saying Trump continued ripping the Journal over its report on Friday, writing on Truth Social: "If there was a 'smoking gun' on Epstein, why didn't the Dems, who controlled the 'files' for four years, and had [then Attorney General Merrick] Garland and [former FBI Director James] Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!" White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X: "The Wall Street Journal published a hatchet job article with a FAKE 'birthday letter' that is supposedly from 2003 ... The WSJ refused to show us the letter and conceded they don't even have it in their possession when we asked them to verify the alleged document they're basing their ENTIRE fake story on." She added: "When has President Trump ever spoken like the conversation alleged in the fake WSJ story? That's not at all how he speaks or writes. The WSJ knowingly published false information to smear the President of the United States." Democratic Representative Sean Casten of Illinois wrote on X: "Like all things Trump, this is simultaneously disgusting and entirely unsurprising. He is exactly who we always understood him to be." What Happens Next Trump on Thursday asked Bondi to produce "any and all" grand jury testimony relevant to the Epstein investigation to quell what he characterized as the "ridiculous" publicity the late convicted sex offender has gotten. Bondi subsequently said the DOJ would ask a court on Friday to unseal the grand jury records.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
MAGA erupts after Trump's bombshell move to unseal Epstein testimony and sue Rupert Murdoch's 'a** off' over raunchy birthday letter
MAGA allies who turned their backs on President Donald Trump for failing to release Jeffrey Epstein 's client list have once again rallied behind him as he vows to unseal bombshell testimony about the disgraced billionaire's crimes. Trump called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the court's approval to release 'any and all' grand jury testimony about Epstein's crimes after The Wall Street Journal published a story about a salacious birthday card Trump allegedly sent him when he turned 50 in 2003. The alleged card featured the outline of a naked woman with pubic hair drawn out with the signature 'Donald.' The typewritten text reads: 'Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret.' Trump denies he wrote the letter and is vowing to release the testimony to spite Democrats who have perpetuated the 'Epstein hoax.' The promise has renewed hope among MAGA loyalists who have been publicly criticizing him and calling for Bondi's resignation for the past week after the duo failed to deliver on a campaign pledge to release Epstein's client list. Trump went so far as to insist he 'doesn't want their support anymore ', calling people who believed the Epstein hoax 'weaklings' who had fallen for Democrats lies. Riley Gaines was among the first MAGA influencers to praise Trump for vowing to release grand jury testimony, writing: 'This is fantastic news. I imagine the democrats will be eating their words.' Gaines slammed Trump earlier this week, writing: 'Was it stupid & foolish when he campaigned on releasing the files? Are Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Alina Habba all foolish & stupid for peddling this for the past 6 months? Why on earth is he doing this?' MAGA allies who turned their backs on President Donald Trump for failing to release Jeffrey Epstein 's client list have once again rallied behind him as he vows to unseal bombshell testimony about the disgraced billionaire's crimes Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. also shared his father's news, writing 'LFG' - which stands for 'let's f***ing go.' Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was critical of Trump's handling of the Epstein saga, said: 'This is the right course of action. Thank you Pam Bondi and President Donald Trump.' 'If President Trump was guilty of anything regarding Jeffrey Epstein, Democrats would have used it against him the past 4 years... Democrats, spare us your fake outrage.' Charlie Kirk, who earlier this week said he was 'done talking about Epstein' in a public show of loyalty, shared Trump Jr.'s post and wrote: 'Major move. Let's go!' Benny Johnson described Trump's announcement as a 'victory' for MAGA fans who still have questions about the Epstein files. Within hours of the WSJ report's publication, Trump issued an initial scorched earth message insisting the letter was fake and asked Bondi to release 'all pertinent' Grand Jury testimony. Bondi instantly responded: 'President Trump - we are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.' But critics have argued that what Trump is suggesting Bondi release is just a small portion of the files that they likely have on Epstein's crimes. Many have questioned whether this is 'just another tactic' and remain deeply divided over Trump's motivations for backing away from releasing the files in full. Elon Musk had earlier suggested Trump was hesitating to release the files 'because he's in them', before removing his remarks and apologizing. Musk has been among the loudest critics, unfollowing Bondi on X and describing her comments as 'the final straw.' On July 8, Musk weighed in again, writing: 'How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won't release the Epstein files?' But on Thursday even Musk questioned the validity of the letter the Journal has cited, responding to Megyn Kelly's X post with a statement which read: 'Yeah, the letter sounds bogus.' Bondi and Trump are both under immense pressure from MAGA loyalists after failing to expose Epstein's client list and reveal the truth about his alleged suicide inside his cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for child sex trafficking charges. Bondi in February shared binders with MAGA influencers called 'Phase 1' of the Epstein release, but the folders contained previously published information. She assured the public at the time that the client list was 'on her desk to be reviewed' and that more bombshell information would soon follow. Last week, she backtracked and insisted the highly sought after client list 'doesn't exist.' She also said that Epstein killed himself in jail, and that there was no evidence to suggest he was murdered. The lack of new information has sparked MAGA mutiny and deeply divided his base. And while they have come together to condemn the WSJ report, many now appear quietly hopeful it will force Trump's hand to continue sharing more about what his administration knows about Epstein. Trump denied the story again on Thursday night, writing on Truth Social: 'The Wall Street Journal printed a FAKE letter, supposedly to Epstein. 'These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures. I told Rupert Murdoch it was a Scam, that he shouldn't print this Fake Story. But he did, and now I'm going to sue his ass off, and that of his third rate newspaper.' The WSJ report claimed Trump took part in Epstein's 50th birthday album by sending well wishes along with a randy message and a hand-drawn nude woman. According to the Journal, the naked woman appeared to have been drawn with a marker, with a pair of arcs indicating the woman's breasts and a squiggly signature reading 'Donald' appearing in her pubic region, mimicking hair. 'This is not me,' Trump said in a denial published within the story. 'This is a fake thing. It's a fake Wall Street Journal story. 'I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language. It's not my words.' Although Trump claimed he 'never wrote a picture in my life', several sketches he made of New York City landmarks as early as 2004 are readily available online. The alleged letter reportedly contained an imaginary conversation between Epstein and Trump, written in third person. In the imaginary conversation, 'Donald' writes: 'We have certain things in common, Jeffrey', to which 'Jeffrey' replies: 'Yes we do, come to think of it.' 'Donald' then responds: 'Enigmas never age, have you noticed that', and imaginary 'Jeffrey' says 'as a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.' Trump said Thursday he spoke directly with both the editor of the WSJ, Emma Tucker, and Murdoch himself about the contents of the letter they were citing. '[They] were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued,' Trump wrote. 'Mr. Murdoch stated that he would take care of it but, obviously, did not have the power to do so.' Trump claimed Tucker 'did not want to hear' from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt that the 'letter was a FAKE.' 'Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, and defamatory story anyway. President Trump will be suing The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch, shortly. 'The Press has to learn to be truthful, and not rely on sources that probably don't even exist.' Trump doubled down on his claims that the Epstein saga is a 'hoax' perpetuated by Democrats, arguing that if he were involved in anything scandalous, it would have been released by 'Comey, Brennan, Crooked Hillary and other Radical Left Lunatics years ago. 'It certainly would not have sat in a file waiting for 'TRUMP' to have won three Elections. This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS,' he wrote. Trump said he 'looks forward to suing and holding accountable the once great Wall Street Journal. 'It has truly turned out to be a 'Disgusting and Filthy Rag' and, writing defamatory lies like this, shows their desperation to remain relevant.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Riley Gaines rips into MAGA voters accusing her of turning on Donald Trump over the Epstein files
Riley Gaines has fired back at MAGA voters for accusing her of turning on Donald Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files, insisting she merely 'wants pedophiles to be held accountable'. The conservative activist and former college swimmer, who voted Republican in last year's election due to the party's vow to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports, slammed Trump on Wednesday after he attacked members of his MAGA movement for demanding more information about Epstein, calling them 'stupid and foolish' while claiming they are being 'duped'. 'Was it stupid & foolish when he campaigned on releasing the files?' Gaines wrote on X. 'Are Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, and Alina Habba all foolish & stupid for peddling this for the past 6 months? Why on earth is he doing this?' Following her public criticism of the President, Gaines received a backlash from Trump's supporters on social media. After one of them lambasted her for using her platform of 1.5 million followers on X to 'go against' Trump, she responded: 'I'm not going against Trump. That is such a ridiculous assertion. I believe there's a ~0% chance he's on the [Epstein] list. 'I'm thrilled with everything he's accomplished in a short amount of time. I just don't think he should be so dismissive of an issue that so many care about.' Gaines replied to another who alleged she was aligning herself with the Democrats by saying: 'What part of me is siding with Dems? Wanting pedophiles behind bars? If that's not bipartisan, I'd consider that a major problem'. She then wrote in a separate post: 'It's amazing how many people think asking legitimate, justified questions is the same as "turning on" someone'. 'I proudly voted for Trump twice and have no regret,' Gaines added. 'I also want pedophiles to be held accountable. It's like the least controversial take in the real world lol'. One user replied to that post: 'I have questions too. BUT, I think DJT is the best president we've ever had and he doesn't need people from his own party publicly questioning. It gives the feral liberals ammunition to go after him. All of this outrage from right wing influencers against POTUS has to stop.' 'Do you hear yourself? Don't publicly question our leaders? That's how we got to where we did under the last admin,' Gaines responded. 'Thats why so many blindly got the covid shot. I didn't because I asked questions. Not comparing the two admins because they're not comparable in the slightest, but I'll always ask questions when warranted. 'And please respond with the "outrage" I've shown.' Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges 11 years after his first conviction for soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor. He had pleaded not guilty to the subsequent sex-trafficking charges. The Epstein saga burst back into the news last week after the Trump administration reversed course on its previous pledge to release documents it had suggested would reveal major revelations about the disgraced sex offender and his alleged clientele. That reversal has enraged some of Trump's most loyal followers. Gaines said she merely wants pedophiles to be held accountable after defending herself on X In an effort to contain the fallout, the President and White House officials are weighing a range of options including unsealing new documents, appointing a special prosecutor and drafting executive actions on issues such as pedophilia, according to two White House sources with knowledge of the matter. Trump and senior aides have also reached out to key MAGA-aligned influencers, urging them to dial down their criticism of the administration's handling of the Epstein investigation and shift focus to broader priorities for the America First movement, one source said. On Tuesday, he urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to release whatever she believes is 'credible' about Epstein while facing a rare backlash from his supporters. 'She's handled it very well, and it's going to be up to her,' he told reporters. 'Whatever she thinks is credible, she should release.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Breaking Down the Drama Between Simone Biles and Riley Gaines: Social Media Posts and More
It seems Simone Biles would like to be excluded from any narratives on X after making headlines for a recent feud with Riley Gaines. Eagle-eyed fans noticed on June 22 that Biles seemingly deleted her account on the social media platform after speaking out against Gaines' anti-trans views regarding women's sports. Gaines went from having a career in swimming to campaigning against the participation of trans women in women's sports. After a comment she made on social media earlier in the month, Biles entered the chat. The women exchanged words online, but Gaines still hopes to work with Biles in the future — despite their differing views. 'Look, Simone is someone I've looked up to, I've respected for so long. She has done so much for women's sports, of course, for the sport of gymnastics, but even broader than that for women in general,' Gaines told TMZ on June 21. 'Her platform is incredible. I think we could do a lot together if she was willing to do it.' Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Biles and Gaines' feud: Simone Biles' Husband Jonathan Owens Breaks Silence on Her Trans Athletes Debate With Riley Gaines How Things Started Gaines took to X on June 6 and shared a post from the Minnesota State High School League announcing that their softball team was named the Class AAAA state champions. 'Comments off lol,' Gaines wrote. 'To be expected when your star player is a boy.' Gaines appeared to be referring to the team's pitcher, Marissa Rothenberger. Biles' Reply After seeing the social media post, Biles called Gaines 'sick' in a lengthy response. 'All of this campaigning because you lost a race,' the gymnast wrote. 'Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans [people] feel safe in sports.' Biles continued, 'Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead … you bully them … one thing's for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!' In a second post, Biles added: 'Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.' Gaines Responds to the Backlash The same day, Gaines responded to Biles. 'This is so disappointing. My take is the least controversial take on the planet,' she wrote. 'Simone Biles being a male-apologist at the expense of young girls' dreams? Didn't have that on my bingo card.' Biles Issues an Apology On June 10, Biles returned to X with an apology for 'getting personal' in her message to Gaines. 'I always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. The current system does not adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges,' Biles wrote, in part. 'These are sensitive, complicated issues that I truly don't have the answers or solutions to, but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.' Biles made it clear that she was 'not advocating for policies that compromise fairness' rather the 'personal and harmful' singling out of individual athletes. Celebrities and Athletes React to the Simone Biles and Riley Gaines' Feud Over Trans Athletes 'I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition,' she concluded. 'We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive and respectful.' Gaines Hopes to Work With Biles During her same TMZ interview on June 21, Gaines spoke about the situation with Biles. "Her stance felt so deeply visceral to me not because of the personal attacks, but more so again because of how she used her platform, a platform where young girls all across the nation, young girls like my little sister, who's a gymnast, look up to her,' she said. 'In the blink of an eye, she effectively pulled up the ladder behind her. And again, a way that was, I think, done in haste. I think there was a lot of ignorance to the issue when she issued her initial tweets on that Friday evening." Deleting Her Account Fans noticed that Biles' account no longer existed on June 22 — and Gaines responded. 'Has an incredibly unpopular and morally indefensible take. Gets rightfully ridiculed for it,' Gaines wrote on X. 'Issues a groveling public apology after unrelenting backlash. Deletes account to pretend it never happened. Sad to see such a phenom go down like this.' Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Simone Biles sparks fan fury with 'ironic' woke gender jibe in 2025 ESPYs speech after Riley Gaines trans feud
Simone Biles took home the first ESPY award of the night on Wednesday but the Olympic legend sparked fury with her acceptance speech. The gymnast, 28, who had put on a loved-up display with NFL husband Jonathan Owens on the red carpet earlier in the evening, won the award for Best Championship Performance as the biggest names in sport gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The seven-time gold medalist opened her speech by offering prayers to those who lost their lives in the tragic fatal floods in Texas earlier this month. However, it was one particular eyebrow-raising comment that left fans fuming on social media. 'That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men. So thank you guys so much,' she began. She continued to thank her support network before dropping the controversial concluding comment. 'I believe in the power of sport, the power of us, and, of course, the power of she,' Biles added. Her reference to the 'power of she', as well as her taking the time to highlight the fact she beat out a number of male athletes for the award, stirred controversy online after it came just weeks after she found herself embroiled in a bitter spat with Riley Gaines over transgender athletes. '@Simone_Biles wins the first award, and still the only thing she can talk about is gender lmaooo #ESPYS2025,' one user wrote. A second added: 'Simone Biles says she believes in the power of she but totally cool with dudes playing against women and taking opportunities from them #ESPYS2025' 'Hahah Simone biles wins for best championship moment? This is the girl that wants trans women to participate in women's sports, got it,' another chimed in. 'Simone Biles is woke trash. She is ok with biological males competing with biological females in sports. This is why she won an ESPY. The ESPY'S are a joke anyway,' wrote another. Meanwhile, one user questioned: 'Did @Simone_Biles just make a comment about winning an award with all men as being a shock? Hmm.. I didn't think men and women was any different to compete against?' 'Simone Biles said she's surprised she got an award in a category of all men. I figured you'd be used to it by now. After all, you love the transistors!' said another, taking aim at the Olympic hero. 'Ironic that @Simone_Biles references being the winner in a category of only men.... Yet she won't defend/protect girls' sports,' added one user. Her reference to the 'power of she' stirred controversy among social media users on X Last month, Biles attacked conservative activist Gaines for her anti-trans campaigning earlier this month, telling the former swimmer to 'bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.' Biles initially sparked her feud with Gaines when the OutKick host criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for competing with a trans pitcher. During her swimming career, Gaines competed against trans athlete Lia Thomas at an NCAA meet in Atlanta, tying for fifth. 'You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser,' Biles wrote on X after Gaines called out the Minnesota team. 'You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. 'Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!' Four days later, Biles publicly apologized on X, writing: 'I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I've always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport. 'The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often leads to frustration and heated exchanges, and it didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for.' In a lengthy apology, Biles also admitted she didn't have the answers on how to include trans athletes in sports in a way that keeps everyone happy - seemingly acknowledging how polarazing her criticism of Gaines had been. During her acceptance speech Wednesday, the Team USA icon also offered her heartfelt condolences to those who were tragically killed by the devastating July 4 floods in Texas. 'I first want to talk and offer my condolences and prayers to all those impacted by the devastating flash flooding on July 4th in central Texas. Words can't replace the pain, but our hearts are with you during this tragic time,' she added. 'I'm honored to receive this award. The recognition means more than you guys know. I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey, my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way. 'I wouldn't be standing here without all of you. I also proudly share this award with my team of supporters, having a strong support system who are willing to show up for you, not just when you are winning, but when you are struggling, too, is really important.' Biles claimed the victory, beating out Steph Curry, Freddie Freeman and Rory McIlroy, after claiming three golds and a silver in last summer's Olympics. Biles triumphed on the Olympic stage in Paris as she completed a sensational comeback three years on from suffered the 'twisties' a the Tokyo Games. Later in the evening, Biles also scooped up the award for Best Athlete in Women's Sports, claiming the prize over fellow Olympians Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas, and WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson.
