Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Over Defamation

Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over an article alleging connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump claims the story harmed his reputation and wants a swift deposition for Murdoch. The Journal is reportedly open to a settlement.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump announced that the Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, are considering settling a defamation lawsuit he filed against them. The lawsuit, initiated by Trump on July 18, concerns a Wall Street Journal story that implicated Trump in a birthday greeting for the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The article included a drawing and references to shared secrets that Trump claims are false.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Wall Street Journal's handling of the article. 'I've been treated badly by the Wall Street Journal,' Trump remarked, hinting at potential settlement discussions. He added, 'They are talking to us about doing something but we'll see what happens.'

Trump's legal team described the article as defamatory, accusing the Journal of deliberately harming his reputation. Trump's lawsuit seeks a quick deposition of Murdoch. Neither the Journal's parent company, Dow Jones, nor legal representatives for Murdoch have issued a comment on the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)