President Donald Trump has escalated a single provocative headline into the most expensive libel claim ever lodged against a U.S. newsroom, filing a $10 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent News Corp, and media baron Rupert Murdoch over an alleged Jeffrey Epstein “birthday letter.”
Here’s everything you need to know, and predictions for what happens next.
The Journal’s Bombshell Report
One day earlier, the Journal ran a story alleging Trump penned a 2003 birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein, which included a provocative drawing, wishing him “another wonderful secret.” The article quickly set political and social‑media spheres ablaze.
Inside the Alleged “Bawdy” Letter
According to the report, Epstein’s leather‑bound 50th‑birthday book included Trump’s letter, framed by the outline of a naked woman and signed “Donald.” Trump calls the document “fake,” insisting the paper can’t verify its provenance.
Trump Fires Back
Minutes after filing, Trump posted a “POWERHOUSE Lawsuit” declaration on Truth Social, vowing to drag Murdoch into depositions. He mocked the Journal as a “useless rag” and predicted marathon sworn testimony for the media mogul.
Who’s in the Crosshairs?
Defendants include Murdoch, Dow Jones, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo. Trump accuses them of publishing “false, malignant statements” with full knowledge they were untrue.
$10B — Off the Charts
If Trump won every penny, the award would dwarf the Fox‑Dominion $787.5 million settlement and Alex Jones’ $1.5 billion Sandy Hook judgmen, setting a new global record for defamation damages. Legal experts call the figure “eye‑wateringly high.”
‘Actual Malice’: Trump’s Tall Hurdle
As a public figure, Trump must prove the defendants acted with “actual malice.” In other words, that they knew the story was false or recklessly ignored doubts. Media‑law veterans say that standard sinks most celebrity libel suits.
48 Hours to Court: A Rapid‑Fire Timeline
July 17: Journal publishes the letter story → Early July 18: Trump threatens suit on Truth Social → Afternoon: a 40‑page complaint hits the Miami docket. Few media flare‑ups have moved from scoop to lawsuit this fast.
Dow Jones Responds
A Dow Jones spokesperson says the newsroom has “full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting” and will “vigorously defend” the piece. Don’t expect to see an early settlement.
What Happens Next?
Expect service of process within days, motions to dismiss by late August, and early‑2026 depositions if the case survives. Legal insiders predict months of discovery focused on the letter’s authenticity.
Meanwhile, prediction market Kalshi gives a 50% that the Trump administration will release new Epstein files this year.
