Lawsuit against media entrepreneur: Trump demands Murdoch's swift statement because of his age

US President Donald Trump is insisting on a swift deposition from the 94-year-old in his legal dispute with media executive Rupert Murdoch. In a court filing regarding the Republican's lawsuit, Trump's lawyer cites Murdoch's advanced age and alleged previous "health issues" as reasons.

Trump filed a lawsuit a week and a half ago, demanding billions from the extremely wealthy businessman Murdoch, whose media empire also includes the conservative US newspaper "Wall Street Journal." The paper had reported on Trump's connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein . The issue was an alleged congratulatory letter with salacious content for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003, which allegedly bears Trump's name.

Epstein, who had systematically abused minors for many years, officially committed suicide in his prison cell in 2019 at the age of 66. The death of the well-connected financier and the official autopsy report sparked speculation in parts of US society because Epstein had excellent contacts in American high society. Celebrities and billionaires frequented his home—even Trump spent time with Epstein, as several party videos show.

So far, Trump has refused to release the Epstein files – despite promising to do so during his election campaign. As a result, the US president is currently under massive pressure. He is being criticized even within the ranks of Republicans and his otherwise loyal electorate.