Donald Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against WSJ And Rupert Murdoch

Ananya Gairola

July 18, 2025

President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, and the umbrella company News Corp. (NASDAQ:NWSA) (NASDAQ:NWS), Rupert Murdoch and two of the paper's reporters over an article linking him to a birthday greeting allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.

What Happened: Filed in federal court in Florida, Trump's lawsuit accuses the Journal of publishing a maliciously false report that he sent Epstein a risquÃ© birthday letter featuring a hand-drawn image of a nude woman and the line, "Happy Birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret," reported Reuters.

Trump denied the claims outright and blasted the article as defamatory and politically motivated. "I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ';pile of garbage' newspaper, the WSJ," Trump wrote on Truth Social Friday morning. "That will be an interesting experience!!!"

WSJ did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments.

See Also: Rivian Unseats Lucid, DraftKings Ousts Plug Power In Russell 1000 Shake-Up

Why It's Important: According to the Journal, the letter was part of a leather-bound birthday book Epstein compiled, featuring messages from various high-profile individuals.

Epstein, a disgraced financier and registered sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. He had longstanding social ties with Trump and other elite figures, though Trump has said he cut off contact with Epstein well before his legal troubles became public.

The lawsuit comes amid renewed public interest in the Epstein case, as the U.S. government seeks to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Following the WSJ report, Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, who has been at odds with Trump over the last couple of months, seemingly defended him using his AI chatbot Grok to debunk the claim as likely fake.

Read Next:

Mike Johnson Breaks Ranks With Trump On The ';Very Delicate Subject' Of Epstein: ';I'm For Transparency'

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Recommended

Palantir's AI Is Going Physical - Ad

This WWII-Era Mine Could Fast-Track a Critical Metal Comeback-and Investor Interest - Ad

This WWII Metal Is Quietly Powering America's Next Defense Build-up - Ad

Here’s the good news: The Hershey Co. says it’s not raising prices for this year.

Jim Cramer Made 'FAANG' Popular, Now He Says There's A New Acronym To Describe These Retail Favorite Stocks — 'PARC'

Renowned TV host Jim Cramer is stirring chatter on X with another buzzworthy "meme stock" acronym, aimed at a new group of retail-favorite stocks that are defying gravity.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

Coldplay's jumbotron captures — what exactly? The internet has its theories

LONDON (AP) — It started out as a routine bit of fun at a Coldplay concert: Lead singer Chris Martin asked the cameras to scan the crowd for his “Jumbotron Song,” when he sings a few lines about the people the camera lands on.

The Last Time This Warning Flashed, S&P 500 Crashed The Most Since 2008

A rare warning signal has reappeared in the market, with a low bull-bear spread and high investor indecision.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

Bitcoin's 4-Year Cycle Is Dead, Researcher Says: Here's Why It Matters For XRP

The crypto market has changed, and experts say relying on the traditional 4-year halving cycle could leave investors poorly positioned in

After years of tough rules on liquids and footwear, US air travel may be on the cusp of a new era

NEW YORK (AP) — When limits on liquids were introduced at TSA checkpoints across the country in 2006, bins overflowed with bottled water, toothpaste, shaving cream and so much more. Nearly two decades later, travelers are much more accustomed to the “3-1-1” regulations" governing the size of the liquids they're flying with, but scenes of passengers guzzling a beverage before putting their bags through the screening machines are still common.

Palantir Makes a Move - Now Look At the Chart

Palantir Makes a Move - Now Look At the Chart - Ad

One under-the-radar company just partnered with Palantir to take autonomous security to the next level.

Trump's Megabill Brings Tax Breaks for the Wealthy and Welfare Cuts — Here's How Your Income Taxes Could Change

President Trump signed his massive spending and social policy bill into law during an Independence Day event at the White House on Friday.

Why Is Donald Trump Ignoring Elon Musk's Call For 'Phase 2' Of The Epstein Files?

Musk's post questioning Trump's unfulfilled promise of Epstein-related disclosures reignites tensions over transparency in politics and tech.

U.S. Military Flagged This Metal as Critical-Here's Why That Matters Now

U.S. Military Flagged This Metal as Critical-Here's Why That Matters Now - Ad

Antimony is back on the Pentagon's radar, and America is scrambling for domestic supply. Early Investors are looking to ride the next strategic metals wave.

Trump’s pivot from aid to trade leaves Africa wary as it faces tariffs and uncertainty

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — When U.S. President Donald Trump met five African leaders in Washington in July, his lack of familiarity with the continent was on display. He — Liberia’s official language — and gestured at another leader to wrap up remarks. But the bigger takeaway was Trump’s pledge to transform U.S.-Africa relations: a shift from aid to trade, even as the region reels from steep tariffs and sweeping aid cuts.

Republican senators caution Trump against firing Fed chair Jerome Powell

WASHINGTON (AP) — is gaining some key backing on Capitol Hill from GOP senators who fear the repercussions if President follows through with the politically independent central banker.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

ASML Stock Plunges Nearly 8% In Wednesday Pre-Market: What's Going On?

Shares of Dutch semiconductor firm, ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ: ASML), has declined 7.46% during Wednesday pre-market trading, after the company expressed concerns over its 2026 growth prospects.

Whitmer says 'massive economic uncertainty' is to blame on semiconductor project failure in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Plans to build a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Michigan have fallen through and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that “massive economic uncertainty” is to blame.

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon - Ad

The U.S. Department of the Interior's internal memo has leaked ... and the contents are shocking. A federally backed resource monetization plan may soon go live, and it could trigger a new gold rush into select energy and mineral stocks. Investing legend Whitney Tilson breaks it all down inside.

Nvidia-Supplier Taiwan Semiconductor On A Roll, Profit Explodes With Strong Margin Growth

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) reports strong Q2 results and expects continued growth in demand for advanced processor technologies, with revenue guidance of $31.8 billion to $33.0 billion for Q3.

Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi's Stock Sale Used A Disclosure Loophole: Report

Rep. Suozzi under scrutiny for $50,000 stock sale without disclosure. Congress now addressing loophole in law.

The $10 Stock at the Center of Trump's $100 Trillion Move

The $10 Stock at the Center of Trump's $100 Trillion Move - Ad

Trump's economic blueprint is about to go live, and the deadline is fast-approaching. A new federal plan could legally unlock $100 trillion in U.S. resources... and one $10 stock could lead the charge. Former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson explains how to act now, before this hits the headlines.

Over 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are under recall after reports of nine deaths

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.

Dave Ramsey Values A Quality Marriage And Relationship Over Money, He Once Schooled A Caller Who Hid Money From Wife That 'Spends Too Much'

Dave Ramsey stresses the importance of honesty in marriage over financial wealth, calling out a caller for hiding money from his wife due to cultural differences.

Palantir's AI Is Going Physical

Palantir's AI Is Going Physical - Ad

The next wave of security AI is happening now. Palantir just joined forces with a company already doing the work.

Business News Digest

AP Business Digest

Meta Shareholders Sue Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel For $8 Billion Over Privacy Violations Linked To Cambridge Analytica Scandal

Meta shareholders have launched an $8 billion lawsuit against Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Peter Thiel, and other executives, accusing them of failing to prevent the Cambridge Analytica data breach and violating a 2012 FTC privacy agreement.

This WWII-Era Mine Could Fast-Track a Critical Metal Comeback-and Investor Interest

This WWII-Era Mine Could Fast-Track a Critical Metal Comeback-and Investor Interest - Ad

This critical metal powered the Allied WWII effort-and now it's needed again for defense.. One overlooked firm just revived a historic mine with existing infrastructure, giving it a potential head start.

Retirees, here’s how to tweak the 4% rule to protect your nest egg

New retirees might enter a different environment than their predecessors—the economy or market might have changed slightly or dramatically.

Elon Musk's Grok Became 'Vile' And 'Insane' After MAGA Pivot, Says Economist Paul Krugman

Economist Paul Krugman believes that Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot became "MechaHitler" because the latter tried to make the AI less "politically correct."

This WWII Metal Is Quietly Powering America's Next Defense Build-up

This WWII Metal Is Quietly Powering America's Next Defense Build-up - Ad

Used in armor, ammo, and batteries... antimony helped win World War II. Now, with China tightening control, one company may have found a new domestic source-just in time.

Japan's governing coalition likely to lose upper house election, exit polls show

TOKYO (AP) — The governing coalition of Prime Minister is likely to lose a majority in the smaller of Japan's two parliamentary houses in a Sunday, according to exit polls, worsening the country's political instability.

Connie Francis' 'Pretty Little Baby' became an unexpected TikTok hit — 63 years after its release

Connie Francis was a giant of 1950s and '60s sugary-sweet pop, notching more than a dozen hits. In the months she experienced one more in “Pretty Little Baby,” which has become a viral hit on TikTok six decades after its release.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

US Dollar Can Lose Its 'Supremacy Premium' If Fed Interferes With Bond Market: Currencies Are 'Release Valve For Unsustainable Fiscal Policy'

The U.S. dollar's status as the premier currency could be at risk if the Federal Reserve intervenes in the bond markets.

Trump administration imposes limits on Mexican flights and threatens Delta alliance in trade dispute

The Trump administration imposed new restrictions Saturday on flights from Mexico and threatened to end a longstanding partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico in response to limits the Mexican government placed on passenger and cargo flights into Mexico City several years ago.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Lin-Manuel Miranda will turn 'Hamilton' 10th anniversary into a fundraiser for immigration services

plans to use the Broadway performance of his award-winning cultural phenomenon as a fundraiser for a coalition of nonprofits providing immigration services.

Elizabeth Warren Says GOP Chose Trump Over American People, Slams 'Big Beautiful Bill' For Potentially Ushering Health Care Cuts, Price Hikes

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers are voicing their concerns on the provisions of the recently passed "One Big, Beautiful Bill," warning of significant consequences for working American families.

Palantir Makes a Move - Now Look At the Chart

Palantir Makes a Move - Now Look At the Chart - Ad

One under-the-radar company just partnered with Palantir to take autonomous security to the next level.

Chrysler, Jeep Parent Company Stellantis Expects $2.7 Billion Net Loss In First Half Of 2025 As Trump Tariffs Cause Uncertainty

Stellantis' preliminary financial results for H1 2025 predicts a $2.68B net loss due to declines in shipments, tariffs and lower fleet sales.

Trending Now

US automakers say Trump's 15% tariff deal with Japan puts them at a disadvantage

XRP Gets Its Own Treasury Company: Look Who's Building A $20 Million XRP Reserve

U.S. Military Flagged This Metal as Critical-Here's Why That Matters Now - Ad

Colonel Sanders Sold KFC For $2 Million Only To See The New Owners Cash Out For $285 Million Few Years Later — Why He Then Sued Them

Trump Says 5 Jets Downed During India-Pakistan Conflict: '...Shot Out Of The Air'

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Rigetti Computing, Netflix, Johnson & Johnson, United Airlines And ASML: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Elon Musk Once Revealed How He Comes Up With 'Crazy Ideas' — And Gets Them Off The Ground Even When Funding Is Scarce

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon - Ad

How Trump could use a building renovation to oust the Fed chair

Democrats Are 'Just Salty,' Says Nayib Bukele: El Salvador's President Laughs At Senate Bill Calling For Sanctions On His Bitcoin-Friendly Nation

The $10 Stock at the Center of Trump's $100 Trillion Move - Ad

At 14, Jamie Dimon Owned His First Stock, Watched A 45% Market Crash Only To Learn This Investment Lesson: 'History Does Rhyme'

One Tech Tip: How to clean your computer, earbuds and smartphone

Palantir's AI Is Going Physical - Ad

Inside the high-stakes battle to win a New York City casino license

Elizabeth Warren Has The Receipts: 'Bribery In Plain Sight' Funding Trump's Library

This WWII-Era Mine Could Fast-Track a Critical Metal Comeback-and Investor Interest - Ad

Jensen Huang's Wealth Has Shot Up $25 Billion In 2025 As Nvidia Solidifies Position As The World's Most Valuable Company, But Steve Ballmer Is Still Giving Him A Run For His Money

Stocks Slip As Netflix Fails To Impress, Bitcoin Eyes Negative Week: What's Moving Markets Friday?

This WWII Metal Is Quietly Powering America's Next Defense Build-up - Ad

Russia insists on achieving Ukraine goals despite Trump's ultimatum

BitMine Stock Is Trading Higher Wednesday: What's Going On?

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

Whistleblower's Texts Allege Ex-Trump Lawyer Bove Encouraged Lawbreaking. Now He's Up for a Judgeship.

Circle CEO: Stablecoins Are Going Mainstream — Fast

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Ukraine's parliament passes bill weakening anti-corruption agencies. The public is furious

Boeing Wins $2.8 Billion US Space Force Contract To Build Nuclear-Resilient Satellites For Strategic Communications

Palantir Makes a Move - Now Look At the Chart - Ad

Draganfly Stock Is Moving Higher Wednesday: What's Going On?

Tim Walz: Trump 'Brings Out the Worst in Me'

U.S. Military Flagged This Metal as Critical-Here's Why That Matters Now - Ad

Mark Cuban Praised His 'Hustling' Son, But Told Kids: 'Figure Out Who You Are, You Don't Need To Follow In My Footsteps'

Schlumberger, Stellantis And ASML Holding Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 14-July 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Climb Amid Trump-Powell Turbulence: Analyst Says BTC Could Reach $3 Trillion Market Cap By Year-End If This Happens

Elon Musk Changed His Number, Became Unreachable After Trump Feud, Reveals Speaker Mike Johnson: 'I Sent Him A Long Text Message, And Then...'

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon - Ad

Elon Musk Returns To Intense Work Schedule: 'Back To Working 7 Days a Week and Sleeping in the Office'

Dave Ramsey Says Real Estate Can Outperform Stocks, But Warned That Higer Returns 'Don't Come Free'

The $10 Stock at the Center of Trump's $100 Trillion Move - Ad

Faced with geopolitics and trade war, US companies in China report record-low new investment plans

Mark Cuban Once Defended Ripple And XRP: Today, The Legal Drama With SEC Is All But Settled, And The Coin Is Sitting On 295% Gains

Palantir's AI Is Going Physical - Ad

Ozempic, Mounjaro Users Cut $6.5 Billion From Grocery Bills: GLP-1 Boom Triggers Panic In Packaged Food Aisles

Capgemini Doubles Down On Agentic AI With $3.3 Billion WNS Acquisition

This WWII-Era Mine Could Fast-Track a Critical Metal Comeback-and Investor Interest - Ad

Ohio awards $310 million to US defense contractor for 4,000-worker advanced manufacturing facility

MP Materials, Nvidia, AMD, Alibaba And Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.