Trump wants to force 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch to answer questions about the WSJ’s Epstein story within the next 15 days in case he dies
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Trump wants to force 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch to answer questions about the WSJ’s Epstein story within the next 15 days in case he dies

July 29, 2025
02:03 PM
3 min read
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Trump, 71, is suing Murdoch's Wall Street Journal over a story investigating the president's ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

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personal finance

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Published

July 29, 2025

02:03 PM

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Fortune

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financemediapoliticsmarket cyclesseasonal analysisgeopolitical

From an analytical perspective, What caught my attention is Finance·Rupert MurdochTrump wants to force 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch to answer questions the WSJ’s Epstein story within the next 15 days in case he diesBy Dave SmithBy The Associated PressBy Dave SmithEditor, U

NewsDave SmithEditor, U, given the current landscape

NewsDave Smith is a writer and editor who previously has been published in Insider, Newsweek, ABC News, and USA TODAY

SEE FULL BIOBy The Associated Press Media mogul Rupert Murdoch looks on as President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he signs clamations, initiatives and appointments inside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on February 03, 2025

Craig Hudson for The Washington Post—Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump is asking a federal court in Florida to force Rupert Murdoch to give a deposition for the president’s lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal within 15 days, citing the media mogul’s age and physical condition

Additionally, Trump sued the Journal, owned by Murdoch, in the U

On the other hand, District Court of southern Florida on July 18 for its story reporting on the Republican president’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and alleged child sex trafficker who died in a New York jail in 2019 before trial

This analysis suggests that president’s motion to the court on Monday noted Murdoch is 94 years old, is believed to have suffered several health scares in recent years, and is presumed to in New York

At the same time, Trump’s lawyers argue Murdoch is a “key witness” in the case and that any delay in obtaining his testimony could jeopardize the ceeding. “Taken together, these factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial,” Trump’s request to the court said, considering recent developments

The move reflects a broader strategy by Trump to challenge any press coverage, including that from conservative media, for what he sees as insufficient loyalty

Trump has openly criticized Fox News and The Wall Street Journal and has accused Murdoch of personally steering editorial decisions against him

While Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp in 2023, he remains chairman emeritus and is widely seen as maintaining influence behind the scenes

Trump’s filing suggests he believes Murdoch played a role in shaping the Journal’s editorial stance, in this volatile climate

The case serves as a stark reminder that even the most powerful media figures aren’t immune from being pulled into the legal and political vortex surrounding Trump, given the current landscape

A spokesman for Murdoch’s News Corp

Did not immediately return a request for, given the current landscape

Nevertheless, Trump’s motion said that, in a telephone conversation, Murdoch’s lawyer indicated he would oppose the effort

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Explore this year's list (quite telling).