Trump files lawsuit against WSJ, other news outlets over ‘Fake News’, newspaper responds

US President Donald Trump has filed a libel lawsuit against multiple news organisations, including The Wall Street Journal, according to court records.

Taking to Truth Social on Saturday, Trump stated, “This historic legal action is being brought against the so-called authors of this defamation, the now fully disgraced WSJ, as well as its corporate owners and affiliates, with Rupert Murdoch and Robert Thomson (whatever his role is!) at the top of the list.”

He added, “We have proudly held to account ABC and George Stephanopoulos, CBS and 60 Minutes, The Fake Pulitzer Prizes, and many others who deal in, and push, disgusting LIES, and even FRAUD, to the American People.”

Trump further said, “This lawsuit is filed not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media. I hope Rupert and his ‘friends’ are looking forward to the many hours of depositions and testimonies they will have to provide in this case. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

According to reports, the case was filed in Miami, Florida.

The lawsuit follows a Wall Street Journal report claiming that Trump allegedly sent a birthday greeting to convicted human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, which included a drawing described as potentially sexually suggestive.

“A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly ‘Donald’ below her waist, mimicking pubic hair,” the WSJ reported about the alleged drawing. The greeting read: “Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

Trump has denied the report, calling it false, and warned on social media that he would take legal action.

“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, NewsCorp, and Mr. Murdoch shortly,” Trump posted earlier on Truth Social.

Following the lawsuit, The Wall Street Journal’s owner, Dow Jones, responded, “We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”

(With inputs from syndicated feed)