Who is Rupert Murdoch? Donald Trump sues media tycoon over Wall Street Journal Epstein report — check his net worth
Donald Trump on Friday sued The Wall Street Journal and its owners including Rupert Murdoch for at least $10 billion over the newspaper's report that his name was in a 2003 birthday greeting card for sex offender Jefferey Epstein that featured a sexually suggestive drawing and a reference to secrets they shared.
'We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit against everyone involved in publishing the false, malicious, defamatory, FAKE NEWS 'article' in the useless 'rag' that is, The Wall Street Journal,' he said on Truth Social.
The lawsuit filed in Miami federal court names Murdoch, Dow Jones, News Corp and its Chief Executive Robert Thomson, and two Wall Street Journal reporters as defendants, saying they defamed Trump and caused him to suffer 'overwhelming' financial and reputational harm.
'I hope Rupert and his 'friends' are looking forward to the many hours of depositions and testimonies they will have to provide in this case,' Trump said in his post.
Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-American business magnate, investor, and media mogul, known for creating one of the largest media empires in the world.
Through his company News Corp, Murdoch owns hundreds of local, national, and international publishing outlets around the world, including countries like the US, UK and Australia.
The media magnate has companies including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Sky News Australia, New York Post and The Sun among outlets under his ownership.
Despite often associated with right-leaning news coverage, Rupert Murdoch's media companies have sometimes been criticised by Trump supporters — many a times when they did not align with their views.
This is not the first time that Trump has clashed with Murdoch, but the Jefferey Epstein case blew out of proportion with the President's lawsuit.
Many of Murdoch's newspapers and television channels have been accused of right-wing biased and misleading coverage to support his business interests.
During Donald Trump's term as US President, Murdoch expressed support for him and his party through the news coverage broadcast in his media empire, including on Fox News.
However, the relationship between the two has been complicated, as they fell out in 2020 over the Presidential election that year.
At 93, Rupert Murdoch is considered one of the biggest media moguls in the world.
According to Forbes, Rupert Murdoch has a staggering net worth of $24.1 billion, making him one of the richest media persons in the world.
The WSJ report said that the letter bearing Trump's name was part of a leather-bound birthday book for Epstein that included messages from other high-profile people.
The newspaper said the letter concluded "Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret," and featured the signature "Donald."
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First Post
21 minutes ago
- First Post
How decline of PM Ishiba's LDP reflects ‘Trump effect' on Japan
The Trump effect—embodied in both American policy and its global ideological footprint—has found fertile ground in Japan's political soil read more The ruling coalition in Japan, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner, Komeito, suffered a significant political setback in the recent Upper House elections, reducing them to a minority status. This follows their earlier disappointing performance in the October 2024 Lower House elections, which had already cost them a majority. As it stands, the coalition now finds itself in the minority in both chambers of the National Diet, a rare and politically precarious position that may foreshadow deeper shifts in Japan's political landscape. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of the 125 Upper House seats contested, 124 were regular seats, while one was a by-election. The electoral system gives voters two votes: one for a candidate in their local constituency and another for a political party through proportional representation. Fifty of the seats were filled via the latter method, with the remaining 75 chosen by direct constituency vote. Prior to the election, the LDP-Komeito coalition held 75 uncontested seats. Their target was modest: secure at least 50 seats out of the 125 up for grabs, enough to maintain a slim majority. However, the results fell short. The coalition won only 47 seats, three fewer than needed for a majority. The LDP, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, lost 13 seats, while Komeito dropped six. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc made substantial gains, securing a combined total of 78 seats. Rising Discontent and Economic Anxiety Much of the disillusionment with the ruling coalition centres around economic frustrations. Inflation, long dormant in Japan, has resurfaced, now hovering above 3 per cent. The cost of basic necessities such as rice has doubled in the past year, and a consumption tax of 10 per cent continues to weigh heavily on consumers. Wages, by contrast, have remained stagnant, leaving many Japanese citizens struggling to maintain their standard of living. This economic squeeze has particularly affected young voters and families, prompting questions about the government's ability to manage the economy. Amid rising living costs and growing inequality, the LDP's campaign promises appeared out of touch with the daily realities of many voters. The economic unease also intersected with cultural and social anxieties, particularly regarding Japan's increasing reliance on foreign labour. The number of foreign workers has surged to around 3.8 million, roughly 3 per cent of the population, driven largely by the country's ageing demographics and labour shortages. While some view this influx as a necessary adaptation, others see it as a threat to national identity and social cohesion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rise of Sanseito and Populist Nationalism In this climate of dissatisfaction and uncertainty, smaller and newer political parties gained ground. One of the most striking developments in the election was the rise of the right-wing populist party Sanseito. Founded only a few years ago, Sanseito increased its representation from a single seat to 15 in the Upper House, marking a major breakthrough for Japan's radical right. Sanseito's success was built on a staunchly nationalist and anti-globalist platform. Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, frequently invoked the rhetoric and political strategies of US President Donald Trump. He called for a halt to immigration, restrictions on foreign workers, and an economic policy that would put 'Japan First'. His campaign framed foreign labour not as a solution to economic issues but as a scapegoat for them, blaming multinational corporations and globalist elites for Japan's domestic struggles. In addition to opposing immigration, Kamiya has proposed a fully independent Japanese defence force, free from US military dependency, and called for resisting American trade demands, especially in sensitive sectors like rice, beef, and automobiles. Ironically, while he borrows heavily from Trump's playbook, Kamiya positions himself as a defender of Japanese sovereignty against Trump policies that have been seen as exploitative or unfair toward Japan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The appeal of Sanseito's messaging, particularly among younger voters, reflects growing frustration with the LDP's perceived ineffectiveness and over-accommodation of foreign pressures. Disenchanted by stagnant wages, mounting taxes, and a sense that their voices are not heard, many young people turned away from the political mainstream and toward populist alternatives. 'Trump Effect' A key question arising from the election results is whether the so-called 'Trump effect' played a role in undermining Prime Minister Ishiba's leadership. While Ishiba has not openly opposed US influence, he has had to walk a diplomatic tightrope in recent months. His administration has faced increasing pressure from the Trump administration to increase Japan's defence spending beyond 3.5 per cent of GDP, a highly sensitive topic for many Japanese voters. Although Japan has already boosted its military budget, purchased American defence equipment, and increased its contributions to US bases on Japanese soil, the Trump administration has continued to impose punitive trade tariffs. Japan, alongside South Korea, is subject to a 25 per cent tariff bracket under Trump's trade regime, based on claims that Japan has not sufficiently opened its domestic markets, particularly in agriculture and automobiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a notable diplomatic rebuke, Japan recently cancelled a scheduled '2+2' security dialogue with the US. While Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi did attend a Quad summit in Washington, the Ishiba administration had hoped that a strong showing in the Upper House elections would enhance its leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with both the US and EU. That hope, however, now appears dashed. Post elections, Ishiba said regarding the tariff negotiations with the US, he wanted to talk in person with President Donald Trump as soon as possible to realise an agreement that is mutually beneficial. A Crisis of Confidence Public confidence in Ishiba's ability to manage relations with the US and restore Japan's economic vitality has deteriorated. A recent national poll revealed that 70 per cent of Japanese citizens lack faith in Tokyo's ability to secure favourable outcomes in its negotiations with Washington. Only 22 per cent remain optimistic. This broader sense of unease has translated into declining approval ratings for the prime minister. Ishiba's approval dropped by 6.2 percentage points in July to just 20.8 per cent, the lowest since he assumed office in October. Meanwhile, his disapproval rating climbed to 55 per cent, the highest of his tenure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political analysts argue that the rise of Sanseito, and other, more moderately nationalist parties is part of a larger shift in Japanese politics. Since the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe three years ago, Japan's nationalist right has lacked a unifying figure. Abe had long acted as a buffer between Japan's pragmatic conservatism and its more radical nationalist fringes. In his absence, political space has opened for new actors to challenge the traditional dominance of the LDP. These parties, while varying in extremity, often focus on a similar set of grievances: inflation, declining real incomes, tax burdens on the young to support an ageing population, and an increasingly lopsided alliance with the United States. Sanseito, in particular, has captured this mood of discontent and used it to craft a narrative that resonates with disillusioned voters. The party's momentum appears to be growing. Last month, it gained an additional seat when a member of another opposition party defected. It had also won three Lower House seats in a by-election in Tokyo last year, further solidifying its presence on the national stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Looking Ahead While the ruling coalition lost its majority, the LDP remains the largest political force with a total of 101 seats. 'We must understand the responsibility as the leading party and the one we have to fulfil for the nation,' Ishiba said. He also signalled his intention to keep his position after the election, saying, 'I am keenly aware of [my] responsibilities.' Japan's political future is now uncertain. The ruling coalition's dual minority status will complicate legislative efforts and make it harder to implement any coherent agenda. Ishiba's government will likely face increasing internal dissent, coalition instability, and challenges from both the left and right. Whether this leads to early elections, leadership change, or further fragmentation of Japan's political landscape remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the 'Trump effect'—embodied in both American policy and its global ideological footprint—has found fertile ground in Japan's political soil. As Japan moves forward, the electorate's shift toward populism, nationalism, and economic protectionism may redefine the country's political trajectory—and its place in the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Days of US tech companies building factories in China, hiring workers in India over: Trump
US President Donald Trump Wednesday sharply criticized American technology companies for building factories in China and hiring workers in India, accusing them of prioritizing 'radical globalism' over American workers. Speaking at the AI Summit, where he signed three executive orders related to artificial intelligence, Trump warned that such practices would not continue under his leadership. 'For too long, much of America's tech industry pursued a radical globalism that left millions of Americans feeling distrustful and betrayed,' Trump said. 'Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India and slashing profits in Ireland. All the while dismissing and even censoring their fellow citizens right here at home. Under President Trump, those days are over.' Trump emphasized the need for what he called 'a new spirit of patriotism and national loyalty in Silicon Valley and long beyond Silicon Valley,' urging American technology companies to 'be all in for America.' 'We want you to put America first. You have to do that. That's all we ask,' he said. The President signed three executive orders as part of his administration's plan to strengthen the United States' position in the global AI race. Among them is a White House action plan for AI development and an order aimed at promoting the export of full-stack American AI technology packages as part of a coordinated national effort to support the domestic AI industry. (With inputs from PTI)
The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Columbia University agrees to pay more than $220 million in deal with Trump to restore federal funding
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The administration pulled the funding because of what it described as the university's failure to squelch antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas war. Columbia has since agreed to a series of demands laid out by the Republican administration, including overhauling the university's student disciplinary process and applying a contentious, federally endorsed definition of antisemitism not only to teaching but to a disciplinary committee that has been investigating students critical of Israel. Wednesday's agreement — which does not include an admission of wrongdoing — codifies those reforms while preserving the university's autonomy, Shipman said. Columbia's reforms are a roadmap,' Trump administration says Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the deal 'a seismic shift in our nation's fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment.' 'Columbia's reforms are a roadmap for elite universities that wish to regain the confidence of the American public by renewing their commitment to truth-seeking, merit, and civil debate,' Ms. McMahon said in a statement. As part of the agreement, Columbia agreed to a series of changes previously announced in March, including reviewing its Middle East curriculum to make sure it was 'comprehensive and balanced' and appointing new faculty to its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. It also promised to end programs 'that promote unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotes, diversity targets or similar efforts.' The university will also have to issue a report to a monitor assuring that its programs 'do not promote unlawful DEI goals.' Crackdown follows Columbia protests The pact comes after months of uncertainty and fraught negotiations at the more than 270-year-old university. It was among the first targets of President Donald Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protests and on colleges that he asserts have allowed Jewish students be threatened and harassed. Columbia's own antisemitism task force found last summer that Jewish students had faced verbal abuse, ostracism and classroom humiliation during the spring 2024 demonstrations. Other Jewish students took part in the protests, however, and protest leaders maintain they aren't targeting Jews but rather criticizing the Israeli government and its war in Gaza. Columbia's leadership — a revolving door of three interim presidents in the last year — has declared that the campus climate needs to change. Columbia agrees to question international students Also in the settlement is an agreement to ask prospective international students 'questions designed to elicit their reasons for wishing to study in the United States,' and establishes processes to make sure all students are committed to 'civil discourse.' In a move that would potentially make it easier for the Trump administration to deport students who participate in protests, Columbia promised to provide the government with information, upon request, of disciplinary actions involving student-visa holders resulting in expulsions or suspensions. Columbia on Tuesday announced it would suspend, expel or revoke degrees from more than 70 students who participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration inside the main library in May and an encampment during alumni weekend last year. The pressure on Columbia began with a series of funding cuts. Then Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student who had been a visible figure in the protests, became the first person detained in the Trump administration's push to deport pro-Palestinian activists who aren't U.S. citizens. Next came searches of some university residences amid a federal Justice Department investigation into whether Columbia concealed 'illegal aliens' on campus. The interim president at the time responded that the university was committed to upholding the law. University oversight expands Columbia was an early test case for the Trump administration as it sought closer oversight of universities that the Republican president views as bastions of liberalism. Yet it soon was overshadowed by Harvard University, which became the first higher education institution to defy Trump's demands and fight back in court. The Trump administration has used federal research funding as its primary lever in its campaign to reshape higher education. More than $2 billion in total has also been frozen at Cornell, Northwestern, Brown and Princeton universities. Administration officials pulled $175 million from the University of Pennsylvania in March over a dispute around women's sports. They restored it when school officials agreed to update records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and change their policies. The administration also is looking beyond private universities. University of Virginia President James Ryan agreed to resign in June under pressure from a U.S. Justice Department investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion practices. A similar investigation was opened this month at George Mason University.
