WASHINGTON, D.C. July 17, 2025 – President Donald J. Trump has accused The Wall Street Journal and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, of publishing a fabricated letter purportedly written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. In a strongly worded statement on X, Trump claimed he personally warned Murdoch that the letter was “FAKE” and threatened legal action if it was printed. Despite this, the newspaper proceeded with the story, prompting Trump to announce plans to sue The Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Murdoch.
Trump asserted that Editor Emma Tucker was directly informed by both himself and Karoline Leavitt that the letter was inauthentic, but the publication ignored the warnings. He labeled the story “false, malicious, and defamatory” and criticized the press for relying on questionable sources. The President cited his past legal victories against ABC’s George Stephanopoulos and CBS’s 60 Minutes, expressing confidence in holding the once-respected Wall Street Journal accountable.
Dismissing the report as part of an “Epstein Hoax,” Trump argued that any credible information would have surfaced years ago through figures like James Comey, John Brennan, or Hillary Clinton. He suggested the story’s timing reflects desperation to remain relevant, especially after his three election wins. “This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS!” Trump concluded.