Trump sues Murdoch over Epstein card allegations

In the United States, former President Donald Trump has launched a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, the founder and controlling owner of Fox News, as well as the owner of The Wall Street Journal, which recently published a story alleging that Trump had sent a crude 50th birthday card to the deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. This card reportedly included a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman, leading to claims of defamation from Trump, who denies having signed or created the card. Trump's history with Epstein is complex, as he previously acknowledged a friendship with Epstein before the latter's arrest. Trump's legal action was filed in Florida, where he asserts that the Journal's article falsely portrayed him and has caused him substantial harm. The burden of proof on public figures like Trump is notably high, requiring him to demonstrate that the claims made were false and made with actual malice. This case marks an unusual feud between Trump and Murdoch, particularly as they have previously shared an allyship; this is underscored by the collaborative nature of their media ventures. Moreover, prominent conservatives, including Charlie Kirk, have rallied around Trump in light of the Journal's reporting, echoing his sentiments that the story is a fabrication aimed at undermining his reputation. Kirk, now a host on Fox News, publicly labeled the accusations as the 'dumbest, obviously fakest thing' upon first reading the report. Following this, he has supported Trump's decision to pursue legal action against the Journal. The ramifications of this lawsuit extend beyond Trump's public image, as it places Fox News in a delicate position, given its close ties with both Trump and Murdoch. In light of Trump's legal complaints, Fox News has scaled back its coverage of the Epstein narrative, which has led to backlash from the MAGA base and even mocking by rival news outlets. Trump's directive to his followers was to shift their focus away from Epstein, pushing for concentration on other controversies, thus showcasing his strategy to manage public perceptions and media narratives effectively.