Trump Threatens Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal, Orders Effort to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Testimony
Trump Denounces WSJ Report as “Fake,” Demands Legal Action
Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday he plans to sue the Wall Street Journal and its parent company over a report alleging he sent a sexually suggestive birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump called the story “false, malicious, and defamatory,” and claimed he had personally warned Rupert Murdoch and WSJ editor-in-chief Emma Tucker that the letter in question was “fake” prior to publication.
Shortly after the article went live, Trump took to social media to declare his intent to take legal action and ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to begin the process of unsealing grand jury transcripts from Epstein’s past criminal proceedings.
“Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Bondi Responds Swiftly, Plans Court Filing
Within minutes of Trump’s post, Bondi confirmed that her office would move the court to unseal the transcripts as early as Friday. The former president’s sudden pivot to transparency marks a shift from the administration’s earlier stance. Just hours before the announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Bondi would only release additional materials if new credible evidence surfaced via the FBI or Department of Justice.
“The president believes DOJ conducted a thorough review, and all top officials — the FBI director, deputy director, and attorney general — agreed on the findings,” Leavitt said during a morning briefing.
White House, Allies Slam Report
The administration quickly moved to discredit the WSJ report. Vice President JD Vance called it “complete and utter bullshit” on social media, echoing Trump’s own language earlier in the week. Leavitt labeled the article a “hatchet job,” alleging the Journal refused to provide a copy of the letter when asked and admitted they did not possess the original document.
“They refused to show us the letter and conceded they don’t even have it in their possession,” she said.
Neither the Wall Street Journal nor News Corp has commented on the claims or lawsuit threat.
Grand Jury Secrecy Rules Pose Challenge
Trump’s directive to unseal Epstein-related grand jury transcripts faces significant legal hurdles. U.S. grand jury materials are generally protected by strict confidentiality rules, and judges rarely lift those restrictions — even under political pressure. In the Epstein case, many of the victims and witnesses remain alive, and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently appealing her conviction.
Legal experts also note that grand jury records would only offer a partial view of the evidence gathered in the Epstein investigation. Key materials — such as video recordings, FBI interview summaries, or other sealed documents — would remain classified.
“Grand jury transcripts likely cover only Epstein and Maxwell,” noted Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), a former federal prosecutor, adding that they may exclude broader investigative files.
WSJ Report Rekindles Epstein Political Fallout
The Journal’s report has reignited scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s ties to powerful figures. According to the paper, Trump was reached by phone and denied writing the alleged card, calling it a “fake Wall Street Journal story” and vowing legal retaliation.
“I’m gonna sue The Wall Street Journal just like I sued everyone else,” Trump reportedly said.
The story is the latest chapter in a resurfacing political storm triggered by the DOJ’s recent memo concluding Epstein died by suicide and that there is no evidence of a hidden “client list” — a theory widely circulated by conspiracy groups.
Trump’s Legal Pattern with Media Outlets
Trump’s battle with the Journal comes on the heels of multiple high-profile settlements with major news organizations. He recently reached a $15 million agreement with ABC News and a $16 million settlement with CBS parent company Paramount. He is also engaged in a dispute with the Associated Press.
Despite historically warm relations with Rupert Murdoch’s media empire — which includes Fox News and the New York Post — Trump has become increasingly critical of coverage he views as unfavorable.
Vice President Vance, who visited Murdoch’s Montana ranch last month alongside Lachlan Murdoch and top Fox News executives, has publicly defended Trump while aligning with conservative voices pushing for transparency around Epstein’s case.
Transparency Push Gains Momentum
Calls for openness surrounding Epstein-related investigations have grown louder among conservative figures. Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and political commentator Laura Loomer have all joined in urging the unsealing of files and demanding a fuller accounting of Epstein’s ties to powerful individuals.
Whether Trump’s latest legal and political maneuver will succeed in court — or sway public perception — remains to be seen.
Source: POLITICO – Trump will sue the WSJ, directs Bondi to unseal Epstein material
