Judge ends Trump's attempts to sue Wall Street Journal over Epstein reporting
NWSA•A federal judge dismissed with prejudice President Donald Trump's refiled defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump had sought at least $10 billion in damages; the judge said Trump again failed to show actual malice.
1. Judge dismisses lawsuit
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida dismissed Trump's second attempt to sue the Wall Street Journal with prejudice, ending his pursuit of a defamation claim over its reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Darrin P. Gayles wrote that Trump had failed to show actual malice, a requirement for a public figure's defamation claim.
2. Ruling cites investigation
Gayles highlighted the paper's “thoughtful and detailed investigation” and reporters' efforts to seek comment from Trump and other officials before publication. He rejected Trump's argument that the story should have been dropped after he denied involvement with Epstein, writing that this was not what the actual malice standard requires and “runs afoul of the First Amendment.” Trump had sought at least $10 billion in damages. The dismissal with prejudice means the case cannot be brought before the court again.
