Former U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, following the publication of an article linking him to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawsuit claims defamation and libel, citing a Wall Street Journal article that alleged Trump sent Epstein a “bawdy” birthday note in 2003—years before Epstein was formally charged with sex crimes. Trump has strongly denied ever sending the note, calling the story completely fabricated.

“These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” Trump wrote on social media.

The article in question described a letter supposedly from Trump to Epstein, written inside the outline of a naked woman and styled as a fictional conversation between the two men. The note allegedly included the phrase:

“A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

After the article was published Thursday, Trump publicly lashed out, referring to the Wall Street Journal as a “useless rag” and accusing it of spreading “false, malicious, defamatory” news. He warned Murdoch and his editorial team that they would face consequences for publishing the piece.

“We’ve just filed a powerhouse lawsuit against everyone involved,” Trump posted, adding, “I hope Rupert and his ‘friends’ are looking forward to depositions and testimonies.”

Despite the outrage, Dow Jones stood by its reporting, saying:

“We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our journalism and will vigorously defend against any legal claims.”

This legal action comes at a time when the U.S. Justice Department is moving to unseal sensitive grand jury material in Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case, following mounting pressure from the public and Trump’s political base for more transparency.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, acting under Trump’s direction, has requested a federal judge in New York to unseal those records, arguing they are in the public interest. These materials include potentially revealing testimony and documents, some of which relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted accomplice.

Despite Trump’s public push, some of his supporters have voiced frustration, accusing his administration of slow-walking the release of critical documents. California gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco, a Republican, criticized Trump’s handling, saying:

“We feel like we’re being talked down to like stupid children. Millions of Trump supporters are disappointed.”

In Congress, both Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have unexpectedly joined forces, backing a discharge petition to compel the release of Epstein-related files.

The developments mark a politically tense moment for Trump, whose long-standing and sometimes rocky relationship with Rupert Murdoch has again come under the spotlight. Despite their history of public appearances and mutual political support, this lawsuit signals deepening divisions as Trump prepares for the 2024 election season under increasing scrutiny.