On July 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion federal libel lawsuit in Miami federal court against Rupert Murdoch, Dow Jones, News Corp, and two Wall Street Journal reporters. The suit challenges a WSJ report alleging that Trump contributed a lewd birthday greeting and sketch of a naked woman to Jeffrey Epstein’s 2003 birthday album—claims Trump categorically denies.

Trump said he warned Murdoch the story was “false, malicious, defamatory,” yet it was published anyway. He now seeks at least $10 billion in damages, accusing the defendants of harming his reputation. Dow Jones has affirmed confidence in its reporting and pledged a robust legal defense.

Simultaneously, Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to request unsealing 2019 grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein investigation, calling the matter one of “public concern”. Bondi followed through and filed motions accordingly.