In a move indicative of the ongoing legal battles surrounding his reputation, President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift deposition from media magnate Rupert Murdoch in a lawsuit regarding the Wall Street Journal’s portrayal of Trump's past correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump's legal team highlights Murdoch's age and recent health issues as justifications for this request, arguing that his availability for trial could be in jeopardy.
Trump Calls for Rapid Testimony from Murdoch in Epstein Case Amid Health Concerns
Trump Calls for Rapid Testimony from Murdoch in Epstein Case Amid Health Concerns
Seeking to expedite testimony, Trump cites Rupert Murdoch’s health as a reason for urgency in high-profile litigation.
In a formal court submission, Trump’s lawyers asked for Murdoch to testify within a 15-day window, emphasizing that the 94-year-old executive has recently encountered serious health scares. The case revolves around allegations made by the Wall Street Journal that Trump had penned an inappropriate birthday letter to Epstein back in 2003, a claim Trump vehemently denies. He contends that he informed Murdoch ahead of publication that the letter in question was fabricated.
The Atlantic filing noted the potential unavailability of Murdoch for a courtroom appearance, illustrating the significance of prompt testimony. The lawsuit, which seeks a staggering $10 billion in damages, targets the Journal for allegedly tarnishing Trump's image. Despite the accusations, Dow Jones, the publisher of the Journal, has resolved to uphold the integrity of its reporting and stands ready to defend against the claims.
US District Judge Darrin Gayles has set a deadline of August 4 for Murdoch to reply to the deposition request. The controversial letter reportedly featured risqué artistic elements and was styled as a playful dialogue between Trump and Epstein, which has raised eyebrows given its context. The story emerged in the face of heightened scrutiny towards Trump and his past associations with Epstein, whose death in custody in 2019 has left many unanswered questions.
Moreover, Trump has brought up the notion that his name may have been included in discussions tied to Epstein due to political motivations from figures like former Attorney General Merrick Garland and ex-FBI Director James Comey, although he provided no substantiated proof for these claims. The ongoing dynamics around the Epstein case continue to have repercussions in both public discourse and political strategy, particularly as Trump navigates his legal challenges while gearing up for the upcoming election cycle.
The Atlantic filing noted the potential unavailability of Murdoch for a courtroom appearance, illustrating the significance of prompt testimony. The lawsuit, which seeks a staggering $10 billion in damages, targets the Journal for allegedly tarnishing Trump's image. Despite the accusations, Dow Jones, the publisher of the Journal, has resolved to uphold the integrity of its reporting and stands ready to defend against the claims.
US District Judge Darrin Gayles has set a deadline of August 4 for Murdoch to reply to the deposition request. The controversial letter reportedly featured risqué artistic elements and was styled as a playful dialogue between Trump and Epstein, which has raised eyebrows given its context. The story emerged in the face of heightened scrutiny towards Trump and his past associations with Epstein, whose death in custody in 2019 has left many unanswered questions.
Moreover, Trump has brought up the notion that his name may have been included in discussions tied to Epstein due to political motivations from figures like former Attorney General Merrick Garland and ex-FBI Director James Comey, although he provided no substantiated proof for these claims. The ongoing dynamics around the Epstein case continue to have repercussions in both public discourse and political strategy, particularly as Trump navigates his legal challenges while gearing up for the upcoming election cycle.
