In a recent court filing, legal representatives for former President Donald Trump urged a Miami federal court to expedite Rupert Murdoch’s deposition related to claims made in the Wall Street Journal, a publication under Murdoch's parent company, News Corp. Trump's legal team cited Murdoch's age—he is 94—as a primary reason for the urgency, alongside concerns about his recent health issues.
The lawsuit centers around allegations published in the Journal that Trump had sent a distasteful letter to Jeffrey Epstein to commemorate his birthday in 2003. Trump's lawyers contend that he had notified Murdoch ahead of the article’s release that the letter was a fabrication. They underscore the necessity of securing Murdoch's testimony quickly, arguing that his advanced age and health complications could render him unable to testify in person if the case goes to trial.
In a previous report, the letter in question was described as containing suggestive illustrations and a playful message purportedly from Trump to Epstein, drawing on their well-documented relationship. Trump has since vehemently denied the authenticity of the letter, asserting it does not represent his style or manner of communication and asserting, "I don't draw pictures."
The Journal has stood firmly behind its reporting and indicated its readiness to defend itself against Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit, claiming that the publication is aimed at damaging the former president's reputation. US District Judge Darrin Gayles has instructed Murdoch to respond by August 4 regarding the deposition request.
Amid broader implications, Trump maintains that he could have been unjustly implicated in Epstein-related documents, insinuating that high-profile figures such as Merrick Garland or former FBI director James Comey might have orchestrated the inclusion of his name. However, he has provided no concrete evidence to support these dubious claims, which both Garland and Comey have yet to address publicly.
In a continuing saga that raises questions around media influence and political messaging, Trump's legal actions signal the tangled web that surrounds both personal accusations and his tie to the notorious Epstein case.
