Trump Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Murdoch and Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Reporting

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer
Published July 20, 2025

President Donald J. Trump filed a defamation lawsuit on Thursday against Rupert Murdoch and senior editors of The Wall Street Journal, alleging that the newspaper published false and damaging information related to Trump’s alleged ties to financier Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, asserts that a series of articles and opinion pieces misrepresented Trump’s relationship with Epstein and contained claims Trump’s legal team describes as unverified and misleading.

The complaint references content published between June and early July 2025, including reports that cited unsealed flight records, photographs, and statements connecting Trump to Epstein’s social activities in the early 2000s. Trump’s attorneys argue the reporting distorted facts, omitted context, and negatively impacted Trump’s reputation.

“This case is about correcting the record and holding a media outlet accountable for what we believe to be false reporting,” said Jenna Ellis, an attorney representing Trump. “Our client denies any improper association with Jeffrey Epstein and seeks legal remedy for the harm caused.”

The filing coincides with an ongoing review by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning a bipartisan request from lawmakers to unseal grand jury testimony and related materials from Epstein’s federal prosecution. While many court documents from the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases are publicly available, certain grand jury records remain sealed under federal confidentiality rules.

In a social media post on July 18, Trump called for full transparency in the case and publicly supported the unsealing of all related materials, asserting that public access to the full set of documents would provide clarity.

Legal analysts note that the outcome of the lawsuit may hinge on the standard for defamation involving public figures. To prevail, Trump’s legal team would need to demonstrate that the Journal acted with “actual malice,” that is knowingly publishing false information or showing reckless disregard for the truth.

Rupert Murdoch, who stepped down from leadership at Fox Corporation in 2023 but remains involved with News Corp (the parent company of The Wall Street Journal), has not issued a public statement. A spokesperson for the Journal defended the publication’s work, stating that its reporting was based on documented sources and aligned with professional journalism standards.

The lawsuit comes during a period of heightened public interest in individuals connected to Epstein, as new lawsuits and document disclosures continue to draw attention to the case. It also reflects broader tensions between public figures and media organizations over the accuracy and fairness of reporting.

As the case proceeds, it is expected to raise further discussion around the legal boundaries of press freedom and accountability under defamation law.