In a fresh flashpoint between Donald Trump and the press, the former U.S. president made headlines again by blocking a Wall Street Journal reporter from covering his trip to Scotland—just days after the outlet published a controversial piece involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes in response to a Journal article that resurfaced a 1997 birthday message Trump allegedly sent to Epstein, calling him a “terrific guy.” While Trump’s team has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the letter, they swiftly retaliated by revoking the reporter’s press access to his highly publicized visit to his golf resort in Aberdeen.
This move has raised eyebrows in both media and political circles, with press advocates criticizing the former president’s decision as a direct affront to journalistic freedom.
“This is nothing more than a distraction campaign,” said a senior journalist familiar with the incident. “Banning reporters because of uncomfortable truths is the hallmark of authoritarianism.”
Trump, however, appears unfazed. While addressing a small crowd at his Scottish property, he dismissed the Epstein letter as “old news” and accused the press of “digging up garbage to stay relevant.”
The Wall Street Journal, for its part, stood by its reporting, emphasizing the public interest behind documenting figures associated with Epstein.
This incident has reignited scrutiny around Trump’s longstanding association with Epstein, as well as his ongoing friction with media organizations he deems “hostile.” Legal analysts also warn that such media blacklisting could escalate as Trump continues his campaign activities ahead of the 2026 midterms.