Trump's lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein story dismissed for now

• Judge Darrin Gayles ruled the complaint 'comes nowhere close' to the actual malice standard, noting the Journal contacted Trump for comment and printed his denial before publication
• Trump sought $10 billion for damage to his reputation over the Journal's July 2025 article about a 2003 birthday greeting for Jeffrey Epstein
• The lawsuit is one of several Trump has filed against major media outlets during his presidency, raising concerns among Democrats and press freedom advocates about potential chilling effects on journalism

Summary: Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal Dismissed

Key Development:

U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles dismissed President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal on April 13, 2026, though Trump may refile by April 27. The lawsuit centered on a July 17, 2025 article claiming Trump's name appeared on a 2003 birthday greeting for deceased financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Legal Grounds:

The Miami-based judge ruled Trump failed to meet the "actual malice" standard required for public figures in defamation cases. This standard requires proving the media outlet knew or should have known the statement was false. Judge Gayles noted the Journal's reporters contacted Trump for comment beforehand and published his denial, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions—undermining claims of actual malice.

Financial Details:

Trump sought $10 billion in damages, claiming harm to his reputation. The defendant, News Corp's Dow Jones (Journal's parent company), defended the article's accuracy.

Broader Context:

This lawsuit is part of a pattern of litigation Trump has filed against major media outlets during his presidency over reporting he deems unfair or false. Democrats and press freedom advocates have expressed concern that such cases aim to suppress critical coverage.

Market Implications:

The case raises questions about media liability and press freedom protections. Journal lawyers and owner Rupert Murdoch's team argued the lawsuit threatened to chill speech from those publishing content Trump opposes.

Neither Trump's legal team, the White House, News Corp, nor Dow Jones provided immediate comment following the dismissal.