Donald Trump vs The Wall Street Journal

46 snips

Jul 24, 2025

Tensions rise as Donald Trump takes on the Wall Street Journal over a $10 billion lawsuit linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The ongoing media saga raises questions about Trump's media strategy and public perception. Explore the implications of press restrictions on presidential coverage and how legal battles shape the narrative around powerful figures. The discussion also touches on the recent cancellation of a late-night talk show and its impact on free speech and audience engagement.

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INSIGHT

Trump's Failing Playbook on Epstein

Donald Trump usually uses a playbook of calling stories "fake news" and rallying his base as a victim.
This tactic is failing with the persistent Jeffrey Epstein story that is challenging his control.

INSIGHT

Epstein Files and Cover-Up Suspicions

The Wall Street Journal revealed Trump was told months ago his name appears in the Epstein files.
Trump previously denied this, raising suspicions of a cover-up within his administration.

INSIGHT

The Scope of Epstein Files

Epstein files include an address book with thousands of influential contacts including Trump's.
The files contain grand jury transcripts and other materials that could contain significant revelations.

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Since returning to office Donald Trump has followed a familiar playbook when confronted with unfavourable stories in the press, often ending in a large lawsuit. That was exactly the case with the Wall Street Journal, subjected to a $10bn suit after they published a story about Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

But even after the lawsuit, the Journal has continued its reporting on the story, this time alleging that Donald Trump is named in the ‘Epstein Files’. The story makes clear that being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, and the White House has called it “another fake story” by the Wall Street Journal.

Will the president’s usual strategy against the media work this time, or is the Jeffrey Epstein story the one he can’t control?

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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