• Trump seeks expedited deposition from Rupert Murdoch in defamation suit.
• Murdoch's age and health issues cited as reasons for urgency.
• Trump's lawsuit claims damages over alleged false reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
• There are indications that both parties may consider settling the case.

President Donald Trump has requested a U.S. court to compel media mogul Rupert Murdoch to provide a deposition within 15 days as part of his defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit stems from a July 17 article alleging that Trump had sent a sexually suggestive birthday greeting to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Trump asserts that the article is false and aimed at damaging his reputation, having filed the suit on July 18, just one day after the Journal published its report, according to Reuters and ABC News.

In their court filing, Trump's lawyers emphasized Murdoch's advanced age—he is 94—and recent health issues as justifications for the expedited deposition. They highlighted that Murdoch had allegedly been informed by Trump that the letter was fake before the article was published. Murdoch reportedly responded, saying he would take care of the matter. This direct interaction, according to Trump's legal team, could demonstrate the "actual malice" standard required to prove defamation against a public figure, as noted by Channel News Asia and BBC.

Legal experts indicate Trump faces a significant challenge in proving his case, particularly given the high bar for defamation lawsuits, which necessitates proof that the Wall Street Journal published the article with either knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages, a claim overshadowed by the complexities of the legal standards involved, according to South China Morning Post and The Hill.

Recently, Trump suggested that discussions about settling the case are occurring, potentially indicating a willingness from the other side to resolve the dispute. He cited mistreatment by the Journal and indicated that settling could be a way forward. The Wall Street Journal's parent company, Dow Jones, has stated it will vigorously defend against the lawsuit, as reported by Dawn and Africanews.