Donald Trump has launched a libel and slander lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and two reporters from the Wall Street Journal. This comes after the Journal reported on a note Trump supposedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein, which included a drawing of a naked woman.
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Miami, also targets Dow Jones and News Corp. The controversy stems from a report claiming that Trump sent a suggestive greeting to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. According to the Journal, this message, which may have been included in a birthday album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, contained a sketch and references to shared “secrets.” The drawing purportedly featured small arcs to represent the woman’s breasts, with Trump’s signature below.
Trump has strongly denied the Journal’s claims, asserting that the letter is fabricated. On his Truth Social platform, he mentioned that he warned Murdoch of his intention to sue. Trump stated that Murdoch claimed he would address the issue, but instead, they proceeded with what he termed a “false, malicious, defamatory story.”
Republican Senator JD Vance expressed outrage over the report on Twitter, calling it “complete and utter nonsense” and questioning the absence of the letter before publication. His reaction reflects a broader sentiment among Trump supporters who feel exasperated by the continued focus on Epstein.
Additionally, Trump aides are pushing for a court to release grand jury testimony regarding Epstein. This move comes in response to the intense scrutiny over Trump’s connections to Epstein. Trump stated he had instructed the Justice Department to seek public release of these sealed records, pointing to the overwhelming media attention on Epstein’s case.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll highlights the public’s suspicions surrounding the Epstein files. About 69% of respondents believe that the government is concealing information about Epstein’s connections, while only 6% disagreed. This statistic reveals a significant level of distrust among the public.
The unfolding lawsuit and its aftermath are not just legal battles; they also showcase how past connections to Epstein still haunt Trump today. As the discourse around the case evolves, it’s clear that the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein continues to loom large over American politics and public perception. For more insight into this ongoing situation, you can check out related coverage on The Guardian.
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