Jen Psaki hits back at Eric Trump’s threat to sue her over report on China trip

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jen Psaki publicly pushed back against Eric Trump after the president’s son threatened legal action against her and MS NOW over comments tied to his reported connection with AI company ALT5 and his presence during Donald Trump’s recent China trip.

During her May 15, Friday evening broadcast, Psaki directly addressed Eric Trump’s social media accusations, telling viewers that he had accused her and the network of lying after they discussed a report involving ALT5 and a potential business deal linked to a Chinese chip-making company.

“Today, the son of the President of the United States, Eric Trump, came after us on social media and accused us of lying,” Psaki said on-air.

Jen Psaki questions Eric Trump’s ALT5 denial on-air

Psaki explained that her show had previously covered a report claiming an AI company tied to the Trump family crypto business was pursuing a deal involving a Chinese company that members of Congress allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

According to Psaki, Eric Trump specifically objected to being described as a member of ALT5’s board.

“Specifically, Eric took issue with us describing him as a member of the board of that AI company, a company called ALT5,” Psaki said.

She then quoted Trump’s social media post in which he strongly denied ever serving in that role.

“Eric says he has never, in all caps, I would note, been on the board of ALT5, not now, not ever,” she told viewers.

Psaki then aired footage from the NASDAQ opening bell ceremony where Eric Trump was introduced publicly as an “ALT5 board member” alongside Zach Witkoff.

The MS NOW anchor acknowledged that Trump’s position within the company may have later changed, but argued that there was documented evidence linking him to the organization.

“Now, to be as fair as possible to Eric, I should say that his role at ALT5 has, at the very least, been complicated,” Psaki said.

SEC filings and cryptocurrency ties become part of public dispute

Psaki continued her segment by pointing to SEC filings and information previously listed on ALT5’s website.

She said company filings had described Eric Trump as set to become a director on the board before his title later shifted to “observer.”

“That typically means you cannot cast a vote at board meetings, but you are able to attend them,” Psaki explained.

The host also highlighted what she described as close ties between ALT5 and the Trump family cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial.

Psaki claimed ALT5 had purchased large amounts of World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency and argued the companies were deeply connected financially.

“So, Eric Trump says he has never been on the board of ALT5, not now, not ever, the company that publicly introduced him as a board member at the NASDAQ,” Psaki said before listing the various company connections and filings she referenced during the broadcast.

She also addressed Eric Trump’s repeated claims that he has no business interests in China.

“Eric, of course, says that he has no business interest in China at all, and that he joined his dad’s official trip there for one reason, and one reason alone, as a loving son who adores his dad,” Psaki added.

Before ending the segment, she turned the issue back toward viewers and remarked, “I’ll let you be the judge.”

Eric Trump threatens lawsuit and denies any China business ties

The dispute intensified after Eric Trump posted a lengthy message on X threatening legal action against Psaki and the network.

“To be clear … Contrary to her [monologue] and blatant lies, I have NEVER been on the board of ALT5 — not now, not ever,” Eric Trump wrote.

“Any person with basic access to Google and willing to open a company’s annual report or proxy statements would know this,” he continued.

Trump also denied having any role in merger talks involving public companies he did not directly manage.

“I have had zero involvement in any merger discussions involving any public entity I do not run or control,” he wrote.

He further pushed back against claims involving China. “I have zero business interests in China. No properties, no investments, nothing!” Trump said.

The president’s son also defended his decision to accompany Donald Trump on the China trip, saying the reason was entirely personal.

“As a loving son who adores my father and wouldn’t miss being by his side for this incredible moment,” he wrote.

Eric Trump additionally stated that he did not participate in bilateral discussions during the trip and instead visited the Great Wall of China with his wife, Lara Trump.