AnySelected

Trump Launches $15 Billion Lawsuit Against Murdoch's News Corp and The Wall Street Journal

In a dramatic escalation of his ongoing feud with media mogul Rupert Murdoch, former US President Donald Trump has filed a sweeping defamation lawsuit seeking $15 billion in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, targets News Corporation, the parent company of The Wall Street Journal, and specifically takes aim at a report detailing Trump's alleged interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, and this lawsuit represents a forceful attempt to counter what he claims is a deliberate and malicious effort to damage his reputation. He accused Murdoch and the WSJ of “reckless and malicious reporting” intended to harm his political prospects.

The Core of the Dispute: The Epstein Story

The lawsuit centers around a Wall Street Journal article published in November 2023, which reported that Trump signed a confidentiality agreement with Epstein in 2007. The report alleged that Trump had participated in Epstein’s social circle and that the agreement sought to prevent Trump from disclosing details of their interactions. Trump's legal team contends that the article misrepresented the nature of the agreement and falsely implied his involvement in Epstein's criminal activities.

Trump's Claims: Defamation and Intentional Harm

The lawsuit alleges that Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal acted with “actual malice,” a legal standard that requires proving the defendants knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Trump's lawyers argue that the publication of the article was part of a broader pattern of biased reporting designed to undermine his public image and hinder any potential future political campaigns.

“This lawsuit is about holding powerful media corporations accountable for their deliberate dissemination of false and defamatory information,” stated one of Trump’s attorneys. “The Wall Street Journal and News Corporation knowingly published falsehoods that have caused irreparable harm to my client’s reputation and standing.”

Murdoch's Response and Legal Landscape

News Corporation has issued a statement dismissing the lawsuit as “without merit” and vowing to vigorously defend itself. They maintain that the reporting was accurate and fair, based on publicly available documents and credible sources. The case is expected to be fiercely contested, with both sides likely to engage in extensive discovery and legal maneuvering.

This lawsuit comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions between Trump and major media outlets. Trump has long criticized what he perceives as unfair or biased coverage, and this case represents a significant legal challenge to the journalistic practices of one of the world’s largest media conglomerates. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for defamation law and the relationship between politicians and the press.

What to Expect Next

The case will likely proceed through the courts over an extended period. Key issues will include the validity of Trump’s claims of actual malice, the interpretation of the confidentiality agreement, and the extent of damages warranted, if any. Legal experts anticipate a complex and closely watched legal battle with substantial implications for media law and political discourse in the United States.