
What was JD Vance doing at Rupert Murdoch's ranch just before WSJ dropped Trump-Epstein bombshell? Rumors swirl
JD Vance
travelled to
Montana
on Tuesday to meet
Rupert Murdoch
, the founder of
News Corp
. Hours later, the Wall Street Journal released a story about President Donald Trump's alleged connection to Jeffrey
Epstein
. Trump strongly denied the report and filed a major lawsuit against Murdoch and his media company.
JD Vance's Unannounced Visit to Montana
Vice President JD Vance made an unpublicized visit to Montana. The visit was reportedly to meet Rupert Murdoch at the Murdoch family's ranch in southwest Montana near Dillon. Two sources familiar with the trip confirmed Vance's presence. Lachlan Murdoch and other
Fox News
executives were also part of the meeting.
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The Vice President's office did not issue any press statement or schedule announcement for the trip. The unannounced nature of the visit led to local speculation.
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Wall Street Journal Publishes Trump-Epstein Story
Just hours after the meeting between Vance and Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, owned by News Corp, published a report involving President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. The report claimed that Trump had sent Epstein a birthday letter on his 50th birthday.
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According to the Journal, the letter included a hand-drawn sketch of a naked woman and a message that read, 'Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.'
President Donald Trump Responds on Truth Social
President Trump responded to the report with multiple posts on his Truth Social platform. He claimed the letter was fake and warned Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal not to publish it. Trump stated that both he and his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt informed Emma Tucker, the paper's editor, about the alleged falsity of the letter.
Trump said Murdoch promised to take care of the matter but failed to stop the publication. He also accused the publication of ignoring warnings and going ahead with a defamatory and false report.
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Trump Files Lawsuit Against News Corp and Murdoch
Following the post on Truth Social, President Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit on Friday. The lawsuit targets Rupert Murdoch, The Wall Street Journal, and News Corp. Trump described the publication as a 'Disgusting and Filthy Rag' in his online statements.
He further said that if any true link between him and Epstein existed, it would have already been revealed by political opponents like James Comey, John Brennan, and Hillary Clinton. Trump called the entire situation another example of 'fake news.'
Lawsuit Marks Latest Trump-Media Clash
This case adds to a list of legal actions Trump has taken against media outlets. He referenced his past battles with ABC, CBS's 60 Minutes, and others. Trump stated that the press must be held accountable and that he looks forward to pursuing this case.
FAQs
Why did JD Vance meet Rupert Murdoch?
Vice President JD Vance visited Rupert Murdoch at his Montana ranch. The meeting was not publicly disclosed, and its purpose remains unclear.
What does Trump's lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal claim?
Trump claims the published Epstein birthday letter is fake and defamatory. He is seeking $10 billion in damages from Rupert Murdoch and News Corp.
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