Trump pursues prompt deposition of Murdoch in Wall Street lawsuit
In a significant legal move, U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $20 billion libel lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, in the U.S. District Court in southern Florida. The lawsuit stems from a story published by The Wall Street Journal that reported on Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and alleged child sex trafficker who died in a New York jail in 2019.
Trump alleges the WSJ published a defamatory story claiming he wrote a note to Epstein for his 50th birthday, which Trump denies. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal effort by Trump against media outlets he views as adversaries.
Trump is asking for Rupert Murdoch to give a deposition for the lawsuit within 15 days. The deposition is likely aimed at obtaining testimony directly from Murdoch about the newspaper's editorial decisions and reporting on this story to support Trump's case. However, Murdoch's lawyer has indicated he would oppose the effort to depose Murdoch, citing Murdoch's age (94 years old) and physical condition as reasons for his unavailability for in-person testimony at trial.
If the case proceeds to discovery, both sides would obtain depositions and documents. Trump apparently wants to expedite this process by demanding Murdoch’s deposition quickly. This legal tactic may be intended to strengthen Trump's position and exert pressure on the defendants early in the case. However, the Wall Street Journal has expressed confidence in its reporting and intends to vigorously defend itself.
The lawsuit has been making headlines since its filing on July 18, 2025, and the outcome could have significant implications for the media industry and Trump's public image. As the case unfolds, more details are expected to emerge.
- CNN
- New York Times
- The growing legal battle between U.S. President Donald Trump and The Wall Street Journal has captured the attention of many, with other media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times closely following the developments in the lawsuit.
- With the lawsuit's implications reaching the realms of politics, entertainment, and general news, it remains a topic of interest and debate among celebrities and the public alike, fueling discussions and speculations about the future of the media industry and Trump's image.
