for the Epstein Birthday Book. IOW, Trump wants Murdoch to give him cash, but despite Citizens United, Murdoch legally can't give the sum or Murdoch doesn't want it to be publicly known that he's financing Trump.

So they secretly agree to this scheme: Trump will sue Murdoch and initially, Murdoch would fight the claim. But eventually, they would both agree to a settlement and Trump would get the money via the court system.

You see, in the backrooms of litigants, a civil suit is made with the expectation that it won't reach a jury with a final judgment. It's a ride until someone gives a number for a settlement. It's often less expensive than a long litigation (legal and court fees, not to mention being bogged down for months, if not years).

So, you sue for the settlement, even if the claim is bogus, but the other side depends on the court to keep the wheels spinning.