Trump vs. Journal: The Defamation Showdown

Donald Trump on Monday urged a U.S. court to expedite the deposition of billionaire Rupert Murdoch in his defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. The legal action pertains to a July article that claimed Trump sent a 2003 birthday message to Epstein.

Trump contests the claims, labeling them as "fake," and asserting the publication's intention was to damage his reputation. His legal team claims Murdoch assured Trump of managing the matter, underscoring 'actual malice' by defendants—a crucial legal hurdle for Trump's case.

The U.S. District Judge in Miami has asked Murdoch to respond by August 4. As the dispute escalates, Murdoch and the Journal maintain silence, yet the publisher stands firm on its reporting, ready to defend the lawsuit as Trump's supporters scrutinize his ties with the late Epstein.

(With inputs from agencies.)