White House Makes Move Against WSJ After Trump-Epstein Story

He said warned the Journal in advance not to publish what he called a “FAKE” letter and said Murdoch had personally promised to stop it. “The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch, personally, were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they printed by President Trump to Epstein was a FAKE and, if they print it, they will be sued,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“But, obviously, [Murdoch] did not have the power to do so,” Trump added.

The legal action comes as Trump ramps up pressure on media companies he believes are working against him. In recent months, his administration has taken on major outlets like ABC, CBS, Meta, and X, with most agreeing to financial settlements to avoid drawn-out court battles.

The Journal case, however, is shaping up to be a direct and highly public fight.

The 18-page filing accuses the Journal of knowingly pushing a false narrative for political reasons. Legal experts say it’s one of the most aggressive legal actions ever taken by a sitting president against the press.

“As far as I can tell, no sitting president has ever sued a reporter or media outlet or media executive for allegedly defaming him,” First Amendment attorney Ted Boutrous told CNN. “When you have the presidential bully pulpit, you simply don’t need to sue to get to the truth.” Continue reading…