A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch, News Corp, and The Wall Street Journal over reporting tied to Jeffrey Epstein, dealing a setback to Trump’s ongoing legal battles with major media outlets.
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles ruled Monday that Trump failed to meet the legal standard required for defamation claims involving public figures, specifically that the publication acted with “actual malice.”
Case Centered on Epstein Birthday Letter
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2025 Wall Street Journal report describing a letter allegedly bearing Trump’s name included in a birthday album compiled for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to the report:
- The letter contained suggestive imagery and language
- It was reportedly part of a collection assembled by Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell
- Trump denied authoring the letter, calling it fabricated and defamatory
Trump filed the lawsuit seeking $10 billion in damages, arguing the Journal and its leadership knowingly published false information to harm his reputation.
Judge: No Plausible Showing of ‘Actual Malice’
In dismissing the case, the court found that Trump’s complaint did not plausibly demonstrate that the defendants knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Judge Gayles wrote that Trump’s claims fell short of that threshold, requiring dismissal of the lawsuit.
Option to Refile Remains
However, the dismissal was not final.
The judge granted Trump the opportunity to file an amended complaint by April 27, leaving open the possibility that the case could be revived if additional legal arguments are presented.
As CNBC reports:
But Gayles, in his decision allowing Trump to amend his lawsuit, cited another precedent that says a plaintiff “should have the opportunity to amend his complaint” if a lawsuit was tossed out for failing to plead facts in that suit “giving rise to an inference of actual malice.”
Part of Broader Legal Strategy
The case is one of several lawsuits Trump has filed against major media organizations in recent years, including actions targeting:
- The New York Times
- The BBC
- Other news outlets over reporting he has described as false or misleading
Ongoing Scrutiny Around Epstein Ties
The underlying reporting is part of broader scrutiny surrounding Epstein and his network of associates, which has remained a subject of political and public attention following the release of documents tied to the case.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Sure if ANYTHING can hurt, irritate, or cause a problem some FN democrap Federal Cuck will be pleased to do it.
Federal Judge rulings need to be restricted to the district they are judges for.
National rulings need to reside with SCOTUS.