U.S. Judge Dismisses Trump's Defamation Suit Against Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Letter Report
A federal judge in Florida dismissed President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and related parties over a 2025 report on a purported birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. The ruling cited insufficient allegations of actual malice and special damages. Trump may file an amended complaint by April 27, 2026.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewDistrict Court for the Southern District of Florida dismissed President Donald Trump's defamation claims against the Wall Street Journal on Monday. The lawsuit stemmed from a July 17, 2025, report about a birthday letter purportedly written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump had been seeking at least $20 billion in damages in the suit against the WSJ, its parent companies Dow Jones & Co. and News Corp. The ruling stated that Trump's lawsuit fails to adequately allege actual malice.
The judge wrote that Trump's complaint is devoid of any allegations regarding special damages. The court dismissed the complaint without prejudice, allowing Trump to file an amended complaint. The judge set a deadline of April 27, 2026, for Trump to file an amended complaint.
The judge declined to rule on the veracity of the Wall Street Journal's report. The judge stated that whether President Trump was the author of the letter or Epstein’s friend are questions of fact that cannot be determined at this stage of the litigation.
Wall Street Journal Report The Wall Street Journal published the story in question on July 17, 2025.
The letter, attributed to Trump, appeared in Epstein's birthday book alongside contributions from his family and friends. According to the WSJ report, it featured typewritten text outlined by a hand-drawn figure resembling a naked woman, including arcs for breasts and a signature below the waistline styled to mimic pubic hair; Trump has disputed authoring it.
Epstein’s estate produced the Birthday Book, which contains the letter bearing the bawdy drawing and Trump’s signature, in response to a congressional subpoena. In an interview with the newspaper, President Trump denied writing the letter. Trump said, “This is not me.” “This is a fake thing.”
Litigation and Epstein The Wall Street Journal and its parent companies filed a motion to dismiss Trump’s lawsuit, saying the first reason Trump’s suit should be thrown out is because the WSJ article in question “is true.”
Epstein died in his jail cell in 2019, with a medical examiner ruling the cause was suicide by hanging.
Transparency
Story details
Related Stories
nbcnews.comParamount Agrees to $110B Acquisition of Warner Bros
California and other states are preparing a lawsuit challenging the $110 billion deal on antitrust grounds. The suit has not been filed but could come as early as this month.
benzinga.comSpaceX Reportedly Targeting $135/Share in Potential IPO
SpaceX confidentially filed for the offering in April and is working with at least 21 banks. The roadshow opened Thursday with a virtual interview between Elon Musk and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.
middleeasteye.netIranian Drones Downed Near Shipping Lanes; U.S. Then Strikes Iranian Radar Sites
U.S. Central Command reported shooting down four Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz and later striking radar installations on Goruk and Qeshm Island. Iran has not issued a public response.