First Lady Melania Trump recently shared a statement from The Daily Beast regarding the removal of an article that linked her to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The article, which claimed she was associated with Epstein prior to her marriage to Donald Trump, was taken down after the publication determined it did not meet their editorial standards.
In an editor’s note dated September 10, 2023, The Daily Beast acknowledged that the story, titled “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author,” was based on an interview with author Michael Wolff. The publication stated, “Upon reflection, we have determined that the article did not meet our standards and has therefore been removed from our platforms.”
Additionally, a segment of a podcast episode titled “Trump’s Epstein Scandal Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” which referenced Melania Trump, has also been deleted. Reports indicate that her legal team sent a letter to The Daily Beast demanding modifications to their content.
Melania and Donald Trump have long contended that various news outlets exhibit bias against them. Since the beginning of his second term, Donald Trump has initiated numerous lawsuits against media organizations he claims are hostile towards his administration.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump asserted, “Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES.” He suggested that these networks operate as extensions of the Democratic Party and called for their licenses to be revoked.
In a related legal action, Trump announced a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, labeling it “one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the History of our Country.” He accused the publication of defaming him and acting as a “mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party.
“The ‘Times’ has engaged in a decades-long method of lying about your Favorite President (ME!), my family, business, the America First Movement, MAGA, and our Nation as a whole,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
A spokesperson for The New York Times responded, stating that the lawsuit lacks merit and is an attempt to intimidate independent journalism. “It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting,” the spokesperson said. “The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists’ First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people.”
