Trump Denies Epstein Letter Allegation, Files Defamation Suit and Orders Release of Grand Jury Testimony

President Donald Trump is forcefully denying a Wall Street Journal report claiming he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Epstein two decades ago, and he has now filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper and its owner, Rupert Murdoch.

The Wall Street Journal report alleged that Trump sent Epstein a birthday letter in 2003 featuring a drawing of a naked woman along with his signature. Trump called the story “fake” and “malicious,” stating through his attorneys that he is suing for defamation, claiming significant harm to his reputation.

In response to ongoing questions about Epstein-related records, Trump has also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to “release all the pertinent grand jury testimony,” pending court approval. Bondi confirmed on X that she’s ready to request the release of those documents.

NBC News Justice Reporter Ryan Rily noted that while there’s public interest, it’s unlikely the grand jury transcripts will reveal significant information about individuals who were not directly part of the case against Epstein.

House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly defended Trump, stating, “The president and I talked about that ridiculous allegation this morning. He said it’s patently absurd. He’s never drawn such a picture.”

The situation has stirred division within Trump’s political base, especially after Bondi released a memo contradicting long-circulated conspiracy theories about Epstein’s client list and death. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called the moment a “fracture in MAGA,” urging full transparency.

As of now, NBC News has not independently verified or seen the letter in question. The defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal is expected to proceed as court motions for the grand jury documents move forward.

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