Trump files libel lawsuit over Wall Street Journal report on Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday letters - CNN

Donald Trump Files Libel Lawsuit Against The Wall Street Journal

In a move that has raised eyebrows in the media world, former US President Donald Trump has filed a libel lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and its reporters for publishing a story about a collection of letters gifted to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Background of the Story

The WSJ published a story on July 29, 2021, detailing how a group of wealthy individuals, including financier Glenn Dubin and real estate developer Leslie Wexner, had contributed to a collection of letters written by Donald Trump for his 50th birthday. The article stated that the letters were among a larger batch gifted to Epstein, who was known for his connections to powerful politicians and financiers.

Trump's Response

However, in an effort to counter the WSJ's narrative, Trump has now filed a libel lawsuit against the publication and its reporters. The lawsuit claims that the WSJ's story contained several false and defamatory statements about Trump, including the claim that he had written letters for Epstein's 50th birthday.

Key Points of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit makes several key points, including:

• The WSJ's article implied that Trump had a relationship with Epstein beyond what was previously reported.
• The publication claimed that Trump had sent letters to Epstein as part of a larger collection gifted to his 50th birthday party.
• The WSJ also alleged that Dubin and Wexner had contributed to the gift, which is not entirely accurate.

Trump's Accusations Against The Wall Street Journal

In addition to making claims against individual reporters, Trump has also accused The WSJ of engaging in a "witch hunt" against him. He has claimed that the publication is motivated by a desire to damage his reputation and undermine his presidential campaign.

Background on Epstein's Letters

Epstein was a financier who became embroiled in controversy over allegations of sex trafficking and abuse. In 2019, he took his own life while awaiting trial.

The collection of letters gifted to Epstein for his 50th birthday has been the subject of much speculation and scrutiny. While some have questioned whether Trump wrote the letters himself, others have argued that it is unlikely that the former president would be involved in such a gift.

Conclusion

The libel lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against The Wall Street Journal and its reporters marks an unusual turn in the ongoing saga surrounding Epstein's letters. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately succeed in his claims of defamation.

In the meantime, the WSJ has maintained that its reporting was accurate and that the publication stands behind its story.