The Journal described the alleged note as containing a “sexually suggestive drawing” and ending with the line: “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump has vehemently denied the report, branding the letter a “complete fabrication” on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Mr Murdoch stated that he would take care of it, but obviously did not have the power to do so. Instead, they are going with a false, malicious, defamatory story anyway. President Trump will be suing the Wall Street Journal, News Corp and Mr Murdoch shortly,” the President wrote.Also Read: Donald Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: All you need to know
Named in the lawsuit alongside Murdoch and Dow Jones are WSJ reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo. In an 18-page complaint, Trump accuses the publication of libel and slander, calling the article a “reckless disregard for the truth” that aimed to damage his reputation as he serves his second term in office.
Dow Jones, which owns The Wall Street Journal, responded to the suit with a firm statement of defence. “We have full confidence in the rigour and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”
This is the first lawsuit Trump has filed against a media outlet during his presidency, though he has previously taken legal action against ABC News and Paramount, securing more than $30 million in settlements in the past year alone. On Truth Social, Trump framed the lawsuit as part of a broader campaign against what he calls “Fake News Media.”
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