Elon Musk publicly defended Donald Trump after The Wall Street Journal published a controversial letter allegedly written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein around 2003. The letter, found in Epstein’s birthday letter book, reportedly featured a sketch of a nude woman and the line, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,” signed “Donald.” Musk expressed skepticism on X, saying the letter didn’t sound like something Trump would say.

Trump vehemently denied the letter’s authenticity, calling it “false, malicious, and defamatory.” He warned Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal that publishing the letter would result in legal action. After the article went live, Trump reiterated his threat, calling the letter a fake and promising to “sue [Murdoch’s] ass off.”

In response to the renewed scrutiny surrounding Epstein, Trump announced he had instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to release select files related to Epstein’s criminal case, pending court approval. However, it remains uncertain whether a judge will allow the documents to be unsealed. Bondi said she was prepared to petition the court by Friday.

White House officials also denounced the report. Vice President JD Vance called it “complete and utter bullshit,” and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled it a “hatchet job.” Leavitt claimed the Journal never provided a copy of the alleged letter, admitting they didn’t have it in their possession when asked.

Trump’s legal threats and push to release Epstein-related documents come amid ongoing tensions with Rupert Murdoch and conservative media, reflecting a growing rift in previously aligned political and media circles.