Just when it seemed the drama between Donald Trump and the media couldn’t get any more intense, a new chapter unfolded this week—one involving a scandalous letter, a $10 billion lawsuit, and a bold accusation from Steve Bannon.
At the center of it all is a report from The Wall Street Journal linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, and Bannon says it’s all part of a calculated takedown plot.
Steve Bannon Points the Finger at Rupert Murdoch
On his “War Room” podcast, former White House strategist Steve Bannon didn’t hold back.
He accused Rupert Murdoch and his media empire — including Fox News, The New York Post, and The Wall Street Journal — of orchestrating a smear campaign to destroy Trump.
Bannon claimed that the Journal’s recent report about a bizarre birthday letter allegedly sent from Trump to Epstein was nothing more than a “phony hit job.”
According to Bannon, the WSJ is Murdoch’s weapon of choice when it comes to delivering sharp, strategic blows to Trump.
“They tried to destroy him with what looks like a fake letter,” Bannon said, calling the article a “kill shot” aimed directly at the former president.
The Alleged Letter That Sparked the Firestorm
So what exactly triggered this legal chaos? The Wall Street Journal claimed it had reviewed a typewritten birthday card from Trump to Epstein, supposedly part of a 2003 birthday album curated by Ghislaine Maxwell.
The letter reportedly included racy lines like, “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” alongside a hand-drawn outline of a naked woman.
Even more shocking? Trump’s signature allegedly drawn across the figure’s pubic region to resemble hair.
Trump flatly denied it all.
Trump Hits Back With a $10 Billion Lawsuit
Unsurprisingly, Trump wasn’t about to let this one go quietly.
On Friday, he followed through on a threat to sue The Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch, and the reporters who worked on the story.
Filed in the Southern District of Florida, the lawsuit accuses the defendants of publishing “false, malicious, and defamatory” information and seeks damages not less than $10 billion.
Calling it a “POWERHOUSE lawsuit” on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the case isn’t just about him — he’s doing it “on behalf of all Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media.”
Bannon Wants Epstein Files Released
Back on his podcast, Bannon went further.
He urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all Epstein-related evidence and encouraged Trump to stay aggressive.
“He’s at his best when he’s on offense,” Bannon said, echoing his usual strategy of attack over defense.
Bannon even seemed excited about the idea of Rupert Murdoch being forced to testify, saying the media mogul avoided that fate during the Dominion defamation suit, but won’t escape this time.
Trump Doubles Down on Denial
In statements to both The Wall Street Journal and his Truth Social followers, Trump has continued to insist he had nothing to do with the letter or the suggestive illustration.
“I never wrote a picture in my life,” he said. “I don’t draw pictures of women.
It’s not my language. It’s not my words.”
Trump also referenced prior legal victories against ABC News and 60 Minutes as proof of his ability to take on powerful media organizations—and win.
Renewed Questions About Trump and Epstein
Despite Trump’s denial, the resurfacing of a connection—any connection—to Jeffrey Epstein has reignited old questions.
The former president has long downplayed his past association with Epstein, especially in light of the disgraced financier’s crimes.
But stories like this one continue to stir public suspicion and media interest.
What Happens Next?
While Trump’s legal team prepares for what they hope will be a bombshell court showdown, all eyes are on Rupert Murdoch and his company’s next move. Will the case go to trial? Will Murdoch testify?
And perhaps most crucially—was the letter real or just another tool in a media-political war?
Either way, it’s clear this battle is just getting started.