Trump Takes Legal Aim at Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal: A Personal Showdown Unfolds

President Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch has turned deeply personal. In his court filings and on social media, Trump claims he warned Murdoch that a supposedly racy birthday greeting he sent to Jeffrey Epstein was fake. Despite this, the Journal reported on it, prompting Trump to take legal action.

Trump has requested that a federal judge in Miami compel Murdoch to answer questions from his lawyers within a tight 15-day timeframe. His legal team argues that Murdoch, at 94 and facing health issues, may not be available to testify in person later on.

“Murdoch is 94 years old and has faced health scares,” Trump’s lawyers emphasize in their documents. They worry that his age will hinder his ability to participate in a potential trial.

Joseph Azam, a former legal executive for News Corp, commented on the situation, stating, “Trump is using lawfare to silence people.” He notes that many involved in this case, including Murdoch, are well-equipped to navigate legal challenges, making Trump’s demands seem like a provocative move.

Murdoch, the chairman emeritus of News Corp, oversees influential media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Post. While Murdoch has not publicly responded, the Journal recently reported that Trump’s name appeared in a Justice Department investigation related to Epstein, although that report remains unverified.

Trump has previously lost defamation suits against other media companies, including CNN and the New York Times. Although his legal team has secured settlements from other firms, none have succeeded in court. Legal experts often view Trump’s lawsuits against the media with skepticism.

Historically, Trump and Murdoch have maintained an alliance. Their relationship blossomed over the past decade, especially after Trump’s presidency began. Murdoch’s media platforms have often supported Trump, helping elevate his political profile during crucial moments.

But that alliance has faced strains, particularly after Murdoch’s organizations reported critically on Trump’s policies and associates. Recently, Murdoch’s outlets highlighted the facts surrounding the 2020 election, sometimes in opposition to Trump’s claims of election fraud.

Insiders note that despite their long-standing friendship, Murdoch has taken a hardline stance on truth in journalism. The Wall Street Journal, respected for its rigorous reporting, has not shied away from critical examinations of Trump, complicating their relationship further. Azam suggests that Trump may be feeling abandoned as Murdoch explores options beyond supporting him, signaling an evolving dynamic in their relationship.

As Trump’s legal battles continue, it raises questions about media freedom and the relationship between influential figures and the press. The ongoing case underscores not only personal grievances but also broader themes about accountability, influence, and the very nature of news coverage in today’s political climate.

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