New Delhi, July 19: U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $20 billion libel lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, and two of its reporters over a story involving a collection of letters reportedly gifted to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, one of which allegedly included Trump’s name and some pictures, reports CNN.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, marks an escalation in Trump’s broader legal campaign against media outlets he accuses of spreading misinformation.
Trump’s legal team has challenged the authenticity of the alleged letter and drawing, accused the Journal of journalistic misconduct and failed to verify the existence of key materials mentioned in the article.
The Journal had published the piece last week, naming Trump in connection with Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender. Trump swiftly threatened legal action after the story was published and has now named the two Journal reporters involved as co-defendants. Dow Jones has defended the story, stating confidence in its accuracy and promising a robust legal defence.
The lawsuit comes amid renewed public interest in Epstein’s network and ties to powerful figures. Trump has previously pledged to release more information about Epstein, though a recent Justice Department memo claimed no conclusive evidence of a “client list” linked to Epstein’s alleged crimes, reports CNN.
Trump’s legal battle with the Journal adds to a growing list of lawsuits he has launched against media and tech companies. In recent months, he has reached settlements with several outlets, including ABC and CBS. The lawsuit also reflects Trump’s ongoing tension with Rupert Murdoch, whose media empire encompasses both The Wall Street Journal and Fox News. Despite sharing similar political interests, their relationship has fluctuated over the years.
