Federal Judge Dismisses Trump's $10B Lawsuit Against WSJ
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Washington: U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles dismissed President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch on Monday, finding the complaint failed to plausibly allege that the newspaper published the article with actual malice regarding a sexually suggestive letter tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
The judge permitted Trump leave to file an amended complaint but noted the plaintiff had not demonstrated malice; Trump filed the suit in July after the Journal published the letter, which Congress had subpoenaed and released from Epstein's estate, and Trump has denied writing the letter, calling the report false and defamatory.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2003: Album compiled for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday included a letter later reported by press.
- 2. Congress subpoenaed and subsequently released records from Epstein's estate that included the letter.
- 3. July: President Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch.
- 4. Monday: U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles dismissed the complaint for failing to allege actual malice.
- 5. The court granted Trump leave to file an amended complaint, preserving a procedural pathway.
Why it matters
This case highlights the high bar for defamation suits. To win, plaintiffs must prove "actual malice" - that the publisher knowingly lied or recklessly disregarded the truth. It's a reminder to critically evaluate news sources and their reporting standards.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
