Trump's legal team pushes for a rapid deposition of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch in connection with his defamation suit against the Wall Street Journal regarding alleged remarks about Epstein.
Trump Seeks Urgent Deposition from Murdoch Amid Epstein Case Controversy
Trump Seeks Urgent Deposition from Murdoch Amid Epstein Case Controversy
Lawyers argue Murdoch's health warrants swift legal action in lawsuit against Wall Street Journal
In a notable development within the ongoing Epstein-related lawsuit, President Donald Trump is urging a US court to expedite the deposition process for media magnate Rupert Murdoch, citing the 94-year-old's advanced age and reported health issues. Trump's legal team has formally requested that Murdoch, who is the owner of the Wall Street Journal through News Corp, provide testimony within a 15-day timeframe.
The lawsuit, which entails a staggering $10 billion claim against the Wall Street Journal, arises from an article that asserted Trump authored a controversial letter celebrating sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's birthday in 2003. According to Trump's lawyers, the president had previously informed Murdoch that the letter was fabricated prior to its publication.
The court filing made on Monday elucidates Trump's team’s stance, highlighting concerns about Murdoch's declining health and the possibility that he may not be fit for in-person testimony during the eventual trial. "These factors strongly indicate that Murdoch could be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial,” the filing stated as it was submitted to the Miami federal court.
As noted in the Wall Street Journal, the letter allegedly purportedly contained risqué content framed by the outline of a naked female figure, along with a whimsical message styled as a fictional conversation between Trump and Epstein. The piece reportedly included phrases suggesting that "enigmas never age," concluding with a birthday wish that hinted at deeper secrets.
Following the publication of the article on July 17, Trump quickly denied authorship, asserting on social media, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures." This remark comes as scrutiny mounts toward the Trump administration regarding its ties to Epstein, who had previously maintained a friendship with the president, deteriorating in 2004 amid Epstein's later criminal activities.
In light of the scandal, Trump claims his name has been unfairly spotlighted in the Justice Department's ongoing investigations into Epstein, suggesting that former Attorney General Merrick Garland or ex-FBI Director James Comey may have orchestrated its inclusion. So far, no substantial evidence has been provided to substantiate these accusations, and both Garland and Comey have yet to publicly respond to Trump’s statements.
In response to increasing pressure regarding the Epstein investigations, Trump has demanded the release of related court documents while continuing to assert his non-involvement with the convicted sex trafficker. The high-profile nature of this case continues to capture national attention, further entangling Trump’s political narrative ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
The lawsuit, which entails a staggering $10 billion claim against the Wall Street Journal, arises from an article that asserted Trump authored a controversial letter celebrating sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's birthday in 2003. According to Trump's lawyers, the president had previously informed Murdoch that the letter was fabricated prior to its publication.
The court filing made on Monday elucidates Trump's team’s stance, highlighting concerns about Murdoch's declining health and the possibility that he may not be fit for in-person testimony during the eventual trial. "These factors strongly indicate that Murdoch could be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial,” the filing stated as it was submitted to the Miami federal court.
As noted in the Wall Street Journal, the letter allegedly purportedly contained risqué content framed by the outline of a naked female figure, along with a whimsical message styled as a fictional conversation between Trump and Epstein. The piece reportedly included phrases suggesting that "enigmas never age," concluding with a birthday wish that hinted at deeper secrets.
Following the publication of the article on July 17, Trump quickly denied authorship, asserting on social media, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures." This remark comes as scrutiny mounts toward the Trump administration regarding its ties to Epstein, who had previously maintained a friendship with the president, deteriorating in 2004 amid Epstein's later criminal activities.
In light of the scandal, Trump claims his name has been unfairly spotlighted in the Justice Department's ongoing investigations into Epstein, suggesting that former Attorney General Merrick Garland or ex-FBI Director James Comey may have orchestrated its inclusion. So far, no substantial evidence has been provided to substantiate these accusations, and both Garland and Comey have yet to publicly respond to Trump’s statements.
In response to increasing pressure regarding the Epstein investigations, Trump has demanded the release of related court documents while continuing to assert his non-involvement with the convicted sex trafficker. The high-profile nature of this case continues to capture national attention, further entangling Trump’s political narrative ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
