Fri Jul 18 22:59:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text, written from the Indian perspective of a news publication:

**Summary:**

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is suing Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over a published report detailing a suggestive birthday letter Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The letter, reportedly featuring a drawing of a naked woman and a reference to shared secrets, has reignited controversy surrounding Trump’s relationship with the deceased financier and convicted sex offender. Trump denies writing the letter, calling it a “scam” and “fake.” Simultaneously, Trump has directed his Attorney General to pursue the unsealing of grand jury testimony from Epstein’s case, likely to appease his base and dispel conspiracy theories about a supposed client list. The situation presents a political challenge for Trump, particularly given the discontent among his supporters over the handling of the Epstein case.

**News Article:**

**From Washington to Florida: Trump Launches Legal Offensive Against Murdoch Over Epstein Report**

**Washington, July 19, 2025 (The Hindu)** – In a dramatic escalation of an already volatile political landscape, former US President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his publication, The Wall Street Journal. The suit stems from a report detailing a 2003 birthday letter Trump allegedly sent to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The controversial letter, according to the WSJ report, included a hand-drawn image of a naked woman and alluded to shared secrets between Trump and Epstein. This revelation has triggered a firestorm of criticism, particularly within Trump’s own base, reigniting long-held conspiracy theories about Epstein’s associates.

Trump, vehemently denying the authenticity of the letter, took to his Truth Social platform, denouncing the report as “fake news” and questioning the integrity of the Journal’s editorial process. “It’s not my language. It’s not my words. I never wrote a picture in my life. I don’t draw pictures of women” the former President exclaimed.

Amidst mounting pressure, Trump has directed his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to seek the release of grand jury testimony related to the Epstein case. This move is widely seen as an attempt to quell simmering discontent among his supporters, many of whom believe that a high-profile client list of Epstein’s has been deliberately suppressed.

The legal battle between Trump and Murdoch promises to be a protracted and closely watched affair, raising significant questions about freedom of the press, the legacies of powerful figures and the ongoing ramifications of the Epstein scandal. It remains to be seen whether the court will authorize the release of grand jury testimony, and if so, whether it will satisfy the demands of those seeking a fuller accounting of Epstein’s activities. For observers in India, this situation offers a stark reminder of the delicate balance between power, media accountability, and the pursuit of justice in a democratic society.

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