Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking at least $10 billion in damages from The Wall Street Journal, its parent companies, and affiliated individuals, over a report linking him to Jeffrey Epstein through a controversial birthday greeting.
Filed in federal court in Miami on Friday, the lawsuit names Rupert Murdoch, News Corp, Dow Jones, its Chief Executive Robert Thomson, and two WSJ reporters.
Trump alleges that the newspaper published false and defamatory content, causing him severe financial and reputational harm.
At the heart of the complaint is a Journal report claiming that Trump’s name appeared in a 2003 birthday message to Epstein, described as being sexually suggestive and framed by a drawing of a naked woman.
The article allegedly concluded with the line, “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” signed “Donald.”
Trump denies sending such a message.
The lawsuit asserts the letter is fabricated, and that the publication failed to provide evidence verifying the note’s authenticity.
“Tellingly, the Article does not explain whether Defendants have obtained a copy of the letter, have seen it, have had it described to them, or any other circumstances that would otherwise lend credibility to the Article,” the suit states.
Trump criticized the publication directly on his social media platform Truth Social, calling it a “useless rag” and emphasizing his intent to pursue full legal accountability.
“I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage’ newspaper,” Trump wrote.
A spokesperson for Dow Jones responded, stating:
We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.
Legal experts note that to succeed in his claim, Trump must prove the Journal acted with “actual malice”—either knowingly publishing false information or with reckless disregard for the truth.
A $10 billion judgment would represent an unprecedented defamation award in the U.S., far surpassing past landmark settlements.
The Wall Street Journal said the disputed letter was part of a leather-bound birthday book created for Epstein, featuring messages from other prominent individuals.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion Friday in Manhattan federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts connected to Epstein and his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
The move comes after Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to request the release amid mounting pressure from his supporters.
A Justice Department memo issued earlier this month concluded that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 and stated there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence of blackmail involving public figures.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that public concern over the case justified efforts to increase transparency, though it remains uncertain how much material will ultimately be released.
Maxwell, convicted in 2021 on multiple charges related to Epstein’s abuse of underage girls, is currently appealing her 20-year sentence.
Trump has previously stated he severed ties with Epstein before his legal troubles surfaced in 2006.