ABC News Daily Trump vs Rupert Murdoch over an Epstein article
Jul 21, 2025
Rod Tiffen, an emeritus professor in government and international relations at the University of Sydney, dives into the showdown between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. They discuss Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. Tiffen sheds light on the fascinating dynamics of their complex relationship, revealing how their past alliances have shifted and the potential fallout from this legal conflict, including its implications for media credibility and Trump's support base.
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Trump vs Murdoch Lawsuit Insight
- Donald Trump is suing Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over an article alleging a lewd birthday message sent to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Trump denies the letter's authenticity and this lawsuit highlights tensions between powerful figures in media and politics.
Murdoch's Media Landscape
- Murdoch's media empire includes Fox News, the New York Post, and the Wall Street Journal, each with different editorial incentives.
- The Wall Street Journal maintains more independent reporting compared to Fox News, explained by its need to keep business credibility.
Legal Stakes and Media Credibility
- Trump is suing multiple parties including Murdoch and two journalists, demanding not less than $10 billion in damages.
- The Wall Street Journal stands firm, having likely done careful vetting before publishing the article.