Lying Isn't Reporting: Trump's Threat to Sue WSJ Over Epstein Letter Does NOT Threaten Free Press

In the recent past, two media outlets -- Paramount/CBS and Disney/ABC News -- have settled lawsuits brought by President Trump related to their reporting. In both cases, the media engaged in dishonest reporting or defamation. Neither of those things is covered by the First Amendment, nor are they part of a free press.

So, with President Trump threatening a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for its publication of a letter allegedly written by the President to Jeffrey Epstein for the latter's 50th birthday.

Some are worried these suits will have a 'chilling' effect on free speech or the press.

U.S. president suing newspapers for reporting is not something we should just get used to.

It's a grave threat to press freedom and everyone's free speech.

'Trump threatens to sue WSJ for story alleging racy letter to Epstein' @axios https://t.co/4ikyAWzwWk
— Greg Lukianoff (@glukianoff) July 18, 2025

All they have to do is not lie.

They need to be kept honest. pic.twitter.com/3gnojeQv9j
— Lake Bum (@dustopian) July 18, 2025

Yes, they do.

“Newspaper” is becoming a more questionable term.
— DriveBy Geek (@DriveByGeek) July 18, 2025

It lost all real meaning years ago.

They could always stop lying. Has anyone considered that?
— The Alpha Cow (@Marcus_Porcius2) July 18, 2025

They have not.

Defamation isn't free speech.
— American Made (@Brain_Pwr) July 18, 2025

Correct.

He's entitled to sue just like anyone else. If it's frivolous, it'll be thrown out. That's how democracies work. It's not a "threat" to anything.
— Am Yisroel Chai (@Am_Yisroel_Chai) July 18, 2025

Lying Isn't Reporting: Trump's Threat to Sue WSJ Over Epstein Letter Does NOT Threaten Free Press

Recommended