In a filing, Trump's lawyers emphasize the urgency for Murdoch's testimony related to alleged derogatory claims made about Trump in the Wall Street Journal article regarding Epstein.
Trump Pushes for Rapid Testimony from Rupert Murdoch in Epstein Case
Trump Pushes for Rapid Testimony from Rupert Murdoch in Epstein Case
Legal maneuvers highlight concerns over the media mogul's health and age as Trump seeks depositions.
The ongoing legal battle is intensifying as President Donald Trump has requested that a US court expedite the deposition of Rupert Murdoch, the 94-year-old media titan, in connection to Trump's recent lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. This legal action arises from an article published by the Journal—owned by Murdoch's News Corp—that includes allegations claiming Trump had authored a vulgar birthday letter for sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.
In a court filing made on Monday, Trump’s legal team asserted that they had informed Murdoch he would dispute the authenticity of the letter even before its publication. The urgency of their request is rooted in Murdoch's age and reported health issues, prompting Trump's attorneys to emphasize that "factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial."
The $10 billion lawsuit filed against the Wall Street Journal accuses the publication of attempting to damage Trump's reputation. Dow Jones, which publishes the Journal, is standing firm in its defense and prepared to contest Trump's claims. US District Judge Darrin Gayles has called for Murdoch to respond to this deposition request by August 4.
The controversial letter in question allegedly featured typewritten text outlined by a crude drawing of a naked woman, along with humorous dialogue crafted to mimic a conversation between Trump and Epstein. After the article's release on July 17, Trump vehemently denied his involvement, declaring, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures."
This article emerged amid escalating demands for further transparency regarding Epstein, a figure with whom Trump had a known association. Although their relationship reportedly turned sour in 2004, well before Epstein's arrest on multiple sex trafficking charges, Trump's name resurfaced in connection with Epstein during recent probe activities. Speculation arose when Trump suggested that former officials, including ex-Attorney General Merrick Garland and ex-FBI Director James Comey, may have planted his name in Epstein-related documents, a claim he did not substantiate with evidence. Responses from Garland and Comey regarding these allegations remain pending.
With mounting pressure, Trump has also called for officials to release court documents related to Epstein in hopes of quelling speculation. As the situation develops, the legal intricacies surrounding this case continue to capture the public's attention, intertwining high-profile figures within the arena of American justice.
In a court filing made on Monday, Trump’s legal team asserted that they had informed Murdoch he would dispute the authenticity of the letter even before its publication. The urgency of their request is rooted in Murdoch's age and reported health issues, prompting Trump's attorneys to emphasize that "factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial."
The $10 billion lawsuit filed against the Wall Street Journal accuses the publication of attempting to damage Trump's reputation. Dow Jones, which publishes the Journal, is standing firm in its defense and prepared to contest Trump's claims. US District Judge Darrin Gayles has called for Murdoch to respond to this deposition request by August 4.
The controversial letter in question allegedly featured typewritten text outlined by a crude drawing of a naked woman, along with humorous dialogue crafted to mimic a conversation between Trump and Epstein. After the article's release on July 17, Trump vehemently denied his involvement, declaring, "These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures."
This article emerged amid escalating demands for further transparency regarding Epstein, a figure with whom Trump had a known association. Although their relationship reportedly turned sour in 2004, well before Epstein's arrest on multiple sex trafficking charges, Trump's name resurfaced in connection with Epstein during recent probe activities. Speculation arose when Trump suggested that former officials, including ex-Attorney General Merrick Garland and ex-FBI Director James Comey, may have planted his name in Epstein-related documents, a claim he did not substantiate with evidence. Responses from Garland and Comey regarding these allegations remain pending.
With mounting pressure, Trump has also called for officials to release court documents related to Epstein in hopes of quelling speculation. As the situation develops, the legal intricacies surrounding this case continue to capture the public's attention, intertwining high-profile figures within the arena of American justice.
