Legal AF by MeidasTouch: Detailed Summary of "Trump Instantly Folds in Case Against Murdoch"
Episode Release Date: August 5, 2025
Podcast Title: Legal AF
Host: Michael Popok
Executive Producer: Meidas Media Network
Introduction
In the August 5, 2025 episode of Legal AF by MeidasTouch, host Michael Popok delves into the latest developments surrounding former President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Titled "Trump Instantly Folds in Case Against Murdoch," the episode provides an in-depth analysis of the legal maneuvers, strategic decisions, and potential implications of this high-profile case at the crossroads of law and politics.
Background of the Defamation Case
Michael Popok opens the discussion by outlining the genesis of the defamation lawsuit. Trump initiated the case in response to a provocative Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article that highlighted his association with Jeffrey Epstein and featured a scrapbook birthday card compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's close associate and convicted sex trafficker. The article depicted Trump in a less favorable light, labeling Epstein as "a beautiful secret and an enigma," which Trump vehemently opposed.
“You want to take this deposition of Rupert Murdoch now in 14 days because you think he's old and about to die. We want your deposition on the 15th day. And now suddenly Donald Trump and the Wall Street Journal just filed a new motion with the judge saying we've agreed not to discuss to take any discovery or depositions until after the Wall Street Journal's motion to dismiss is decided by Judge Gales.”
— Michael Popok [00:00]
Trump's Attempt to Expedite the Deposition
Popok details Trump's initial strategy to compel an early deposition of Rupert Murdoch, citing Murdoch's advanced age (94 years) and potential health issues as reasons for urgency. This tactic is reminiscent of Trump's legal battles, where he often seeks to gain leverage through aggressive legal maneuvers.
“The problem for Donald Trump is it's not a good look when the person that you were best friends with... he's a convicted sex trafficker that used to be your best friend.”
— Michael Popok [04:30]
However, Trump’s lawyers face significant resistance from the WSJ's legal team. They argue that such an early deposition is both premature and strategically unsound, especially before the discovery phase has even begun.
Wall Street Journal's Legal Strategy
The Wall Street Journal, represented by experienced First Amendment lawyers like those from the Gunster law firm and Tremaine Wright in New York, countered Trump's deposition request effectively. They emphasized the robust journalistic standards and corroborative evidence supporting their reporting, asserting the story's legitimacy and defending their right to publish under the Fair Reporting Privilege.
“They had poverty of the four corners of the pleadings. And you can't go outside the pleadings… I think they're going to file a motion for summary judgment and, or motion to dismiss because you don't have a way to sue us for defamation under a number of doctrines.”
— Michael Popok [06:00]
The WSJ's legal team likely highlighted the absence of "actual malice," a necessary element for defamation claims involving public figures, further weakening Trump's position.
Outcome of the Motion to Dismiss
As negotiations unfolded, the legal pressure from the WSJ's side intensified. Trump's motion for an early deposition was perceived as a tactical misstep, akin to a "silly mistake" that backfired significantly. The WSJ's attorneys adeptly navigated the situation, leveraging Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs the exchange of information and document production.
“He knew everything. I don't know anything. I said when I saw this motion, it's called an essay bene motion. It's when you're trying to preserve testimony because somebody's about to die or go out of the country or whatever. I said this is a mistake for Donald Trump.”
— Michael Popok [06:49]
Ultimately, facing potential sanctions under Rule 11 for filing a frivolous motion without a good faith basis, Trump's legal team retracted their request. This mutual concession resulted in no immediate depositions, aligning with Popok's predictions.
“Trump always chickens out, especially in his civil lawsuits, which he brings for political purposes and talking point purposes that have no real merit. He's going to get fined another million dollars eventually.”
— Michael Popok [08:16]
Analysis and Insights
Popok provides a comprehensive analysis of the broader implications of this legal stalemate. He compares it to previous cases, such as Trump's defamation suit against Michael Cohen and the E. Jean Carroll case, highlighting a pattern of Trump's legal strategies and their shortcomings.
“I'm sure in the conversation the lawyers who are very fine for the Wall Street Journal and Murdoch said, we're going to do a Rule 11 sanction against all of you and ask for sanctions, but you better agree to drop this request...”
— Michael Popok [07:30]
He underscores the Wall Street Journal's confidence in their reporting, bolstered by strong journalistic integrity and legal expertise, making it challenging for Trump to advance his case effectively.
Moreover, Popok speculates on the potential next steps in the litigation process, including the likelihood of the WSJ filing a motion to dismiss or seeking summary judgment. He assesses the judge's probable rulings based on the pleadings and existing legal standards, suggesting a high probability of dismissal given the current evidence.
“Next steps in front of Judge Gale is going to be a motion to dismiss by the Wall Street Journal. I think it's a 70, 30% chance he's going to grant that motion to dismiss.”
— Michael Popok [13:00]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Popok reaffirming his expectation that Trump's aggressive legal tactics will falter under judicial scrutiny. He anticipates that the case will likely be dismissed based on the merits of the WSJ's reporting and the lack of substantive grounds for defamation.
“He can't keep his lies straight... He's going to get fined another million dollars eventually. I think that's going to happen.”
— Michael Popok [08:16]
Popok emphasizes the ongoing nature of the case and commits to providing further updates as the legal proceedings unfold, maintaining the podcast's role as a critical observer of the intersection between law and politics.
Final Thoughts
In this episode, Legal AF offers a thorough and insightful examination of Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal. Michael Popok effectively dissects the legal strategies, highlights the challenges Trump faces, and provides a clear prognosis based on his expertise as a federal trial lawyer. For listeners seeking a nuanced understanding of high-profile legal battles, this episode serves as an essential resource.
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