As President Donald Trump traveled to China this week with a high-profile U.S. delegation, one addition to the group set off a fresh round of controversy and, now, a legal threat aimed at a cable news host.
Trump’s entourage included Cabinet officials and major business executives, but it also included his middle son, Eric Trump, who is not part of the administration. MSNBC’s “MS NOW” aired commentary about his presence in Beijing, leaning on reporting and analysis that questioned whether the trip could blur the line between government business and the family’s private interests.
Eric Trump, who runs the Trump family business, fired back in a statement posted online and said he intends to sue MSNBC host Jen Psaki and the network over what he called false claims.
“I intend to sue @jrpsaki and @MSNOWNews over the below clip. To be clear,” he wrote, before listing a series of denials.
“• Contrary to her monolog and blatant lies, I have NEVER been on the board of ALT5 — not now, not ever. Any person with basic access to Google and willing to open a company’s annual report or proxy statements would know this,” he wrote.
He also denied involvement in any merger talks involving a public company he does not run.
“I have had zero involvement in any merger discussions involving any public entity I do not run or control,” he wrote.
Eric Trump further said he has no business ties to China.
“I have zero business interests in China. No properties, no investments, nothing!” he wrote.
He framed his trip as personal, not professional.
“I joined this trip for one reason: as a loving son who adores my father and wouldn’t miss being by his side for this incredible moment,” he wrote.
Eric Trump said that while bilateral meetings were taking place, he and Lara Trump visited a tourist site.
“During the bilateral talks, @LaraLeaTrump and I went to the Great Wall of China,” he wrote.
The dispute erupted after MSNBC coverage cited longstanding questions about how the Trump Organization’s global brand intersects with the president’s official diplomacy. A spokesperson for the Trump Organization has said Eric Trump was in China “in a personal capacity,” adding, “He will not be participating in private meetings, but will instead stand alongside the president to mark this historic occasion.”
Critics say the optics are hard to untangle because Eric Trump leads the Trump Organization while his father is in office, and the company has explored international ventures over the years. MSNBC commentary also noted Trump’s past attacks on Hunter Biden’s China ties, arguing the contrast sharpens scrutiny on the Trump family’s own travel and relationships.
Eric Trump’s post did not detail when a lawsuit would be filed or the specific legal claims he would pursue, but his message made clear he believes the network crossed the line.
MSNBC and Psaki have not responded publicly in the material provided.
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