Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Wall Street Journal and Fox News, is facing a lawsuit from President Donald Trump over an article that reported on Trump’s alleged contribution to Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday album. The lawsuit seeks over $10 billion in damages, but media experts say it has little legal merit.
Trump filed the complaint in U.S. District Court in Miami, testing the limits of his relationship with Murdoch, who has been a long-time ally and supporter. The article in question reported on Trump’s alleged drawing of a naked woman in the birthday card, despite Trump’s claims that he did not write it.
The lawsuit is part of a pattern of attacks by Trump against media companies, which have been met with skepticism from experts. Media lawyers say the lawsuit is an attempt to intimidate journalists and chill aggressive reporting on Trump’s administration.
The Wall Street Journal has stood by its reporting, saying it will vigorously defend itself against Trump’s claims. The outlet published its account of the article despite Trump’s explicit threats, including a warning that he would sue them just like everyone else.
Trump and Murdoch have a complicated history, dating back to 2015 when Murdoch urged billionaire Mike Bloomberg to consider running as an independent candidate. However, their relationship has been strained since Fox News made a pivotal projection in the 2020 presidential race, which infuriated Trump.
Despite this, experts say it is unlikely that Murdoch will abandon Trump entirely. Both men have a vested interest in maintaining their relationship and avoiding further conflict.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/24/trump-murdoch-wall-street-journal-libel