President Donald Trump was already dealing with discontent from his followers over claims from his Justice Department that there's no client list contained in the files concerning accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Recently, he fired off a lawsuit on July 18, 2025, against Republican megadonor Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and a pair of reporters. Alleging defamation over the publication of an alleged letter Trump sent to Epstein for his 50th birthday, he's seeking $10 billion in damages.
The WSJ story claims Trump contributed a drawing for Epstein's 50th birthday of a woman's torso with his signature standing in as pubic hair. The article also alleges that the drawing is accompanied by a note that says, among other things, "Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump declared on social media that everything about the story was untrue and promised retribution through the lawsuit. While the alleged drawing was not included with the article, it seems unlikely that the WSJ, which spoke to Trump prior to publication, would make such a claim without some proof. Even if the letter turns out to be falsified, public figures claiming defamation have a notoriously high bar to meet. The WSJ must only show they did not publish a story that they knew to be false or recklessly disregarded the truth. However, as has been the case with previous lawsuits against media outlets, part of the goal might simply be to make life harder on Rubert Murdoch for allowing the story to run. It's a common tactic, and such lawsuits are known as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP.
Missing Minutes, Missing Trust
Originally a teacher and a financier, Epstein was accused of having a much darker and insidious career as a child sex trafficker. After receiving a controversial deal for state charges in Florida, he was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. He was found dead in his cell in New York City a month later, with the official cause listed as suicide by hanging.
The controversy behind Epstein's death and his rumored client lists fueled a conspiracy theory unlike any other. Millions believe cabals of the rich and powerful are allegedly on Epstein's "client list." They believe these powerful figures had Epstein killed in jail and are suppressing the truth from being released. Many voted for Trump in part because he promised to release the list.
The Trump administration's announcement that there was no client list didn't sit well with people who believed Trump was going to blow the lid off of a massive conspiracy. Compounding the issue was the release of supposedly unaltered tapes of footage from outside Epstein's cell, which were quickly proven to have been altered. Subsequent releases were also debunked, and demands for the release of the files increased.
Trump's offer to release the grand jury testimony instead of everything related to Epstein wasn't well received either, since the grand jury evidence is not exhaustive and is likely to be redacted upon release, if the judge agrees to it at all.
The WSJ story published on July 19 added more fuel to the fire, which doesn't seem to be going away. While Trump claimed that "... I don't draw pictures," many outlets quickly reported on drawings of his that have been auctioned off.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
If the WSJ produces the alleged drawing at some point and can establish a link between it and Trump, his lawsuit may have a difficult time proving defamation. A successful defamation tort means showing that the defendant knew they were disseminating an untruth and caused the plaintiff injury. However, Trump has successfully negotiated with other media networks over claims of defamation, including CBS and ABC, despite not having strong cases against them.
Continuing with the suit means that Trump, as well as the defense, must engage in the discovery process. With the WSJ and the other defendants vowing to fight, this could be a legal battle for the ages.
Related Resources
- Epstein Court Doc Unsealed ... Social Media Can Relax Now, Right? (FindLaw's Legally Weird)
- Filing a Lawsuit - The Discovery Process (FindLaw's What To Expect When Going to Court)
- Libel, Slander, and Defamation Law: The Basics (FindLaw's Torts and Personal Injury Law)
