Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the legal arguments and requests made by Trump‘s lawyers:
Core argument:
Trump’s lawyers are arguing that Rupert Murdoch should be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial due to several factors. They believe this justifies an expedited deposition and the production of specific documents.
reasons for Murdoch’s Alleged Unavailability for In-Person Testimony:
“Taken together, these factors weigh heavily…”: This implies a combination of reasons, though the specific factors are not fully detailed in this excerpt.
No Order Scheduling Evidence/Testimony Exchange: The lawyers point out that the case hasn’t reached a stage were in-person testimony is formally scheduled, suggesting it’s premature to demand it.
Arguments Regarding fairness and Data Access:
Murdoch’s Advantage: Murdoch has access to all information and documents related to the “malicious and defamatory Article” and the decision to publish it.
Trump’s Disadvantage: Trump has “very limited information” about the Article. No Notable Prejudice to Murdoch: Trump’s lawyers argue that granting their motion (likely for expedited deposition and document production) would not cause significant prejudice to murdoch that outweighs the “good cause” for the request.
Murdoch’s Opposition:
Murdoch is opposing the request for an expedited deposition.
Judge’s Action:
Judge Darrin Gayles has ordered Murdoch’s lawyers to respond to the motion by August 4th.
Document Requests from Murdoch:
The motion seeks a number of documents from murdoch, including:
Any documents exchanged between him and other defendants in the case.
Digital communications (text messages, iMessages, WhatsApp, Slack, Signal, WeChat, etc.) on any mobile device related to the Article,sent or received.
A log of his calls from July 10th through july 25th.
Background of the Article:
The article in question, published by The Journal (owned by News Corp), stated that Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a letter for his 50th birthday in 2003.
The letter was described as containing “several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman” and concluding with “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another fantastic secret.”
Trump has vehemently denied writing the letter.
Additional Defendants and Allegations:
The lawsuit also names News Corp, its CEO Robert Thomson, Dow Jones & Company, and the two reporters (Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo) as defendants.
Trump’s lawyers claim that when one of the reporters contacted the White House about the letter, Trump spoke directly with Murdoch and told him the letter was “fake.”
Murdoch allegedly responded, “he would take care of it.”
* The lawyers argue that Murdoch’s direct involvement, and the subsequent publication of the article after Trump’s denial, further demonstrates “actual malice and intent” by the defendants.
In essence,Trump’s legal team is trying to secure information from Murdoch and potentially depose him quickly,arguing that Murdoch has an unfair advantage in terms of information access and that his direct involvement in the matter,despite being told the letter was fake,points to malicious intent.