Trump Files $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against Wall Street Journal

President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent companies, accusing them of publishing a false story linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein through a sexually suggestive birthday letter allegedly sent by Trump in 2003. The lawsuit asserts that the newspaper failed to provide proof of the letter's existence, including the purported drawing, and accuses the reporters of fabricating quotes from a nonexistent letter in an effort to malign Trump's character. The Wall Street Journal, which stands by the story, claims the letter's authenticity was verified by handwriting analysts and sources familiar with Epstein's archives, though the actual letter has not been publicly produced, possibly due to legal or source protection reasons. Trump's suit also notably excludes WSJ Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker, a British citizen, likely for jurisdictional reasons. The controversy has stirred division within the MAGA movement, with some supporters questioning the Justice Department's handling of Epstein-related investigations, and the lawsuit may lead to Trump having to testify about his ties to Epstein. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and media outlets, further complicating his 2024 campaign.