Judge Dismisses Trump’s Defamation Suit Against WSJ Over Epstein Letter

2 min read

A federal judge has permanently dismissed former President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over an article alleging he sent a ‘bawdy’ 50th birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein. The ruling, issued by US District Judge Darrin Gayles, an Obama appointee, marks the end of Trump’s legal attempt to refile the case after an initial dismissal in April.

Trump’s legal team had refiled the lawsuit, but Judge Gayles ruled that the president had not plausibly alleged that the defendants published the article with actual malice. The judge’s decision to dismiss the case with prejudice means Trump cannot refile it in the district court. However, the president’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The lawsuit, which initially sought $10 billion in damages, was filed against Rupert Murdoch, the Wall Street Journal, and two of its reporters after the newspaper dropped a critical article about Trump. The article in question claimed Trump sent a ‘bawdy’ letter to Epstein, a notorious sex offender, for his 50th birthday. Trump denied writing the letter, and the case has been a focal point of his ongoing legal battles.

The Wall Street Journal previously published a ‘hit piece’ on Trump, which detailed the alleged letter. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former assistant, was allegedly involved in preparing a ‘special gift’ and collecting letters written by Trump and others. The case has drawn significant media attention and remains a key element in Trump’s long-standing disputes with the press.

Despite the dismissal, Trump’s legal team remains undeterred, with a spokesperson stating the president will continue to pursue accountability for what they call ‘Fake News’ and smears. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between former political figures and the media, as well as the legal complexities surrounding defamation claims in high-profile cases.

Source: The Gateway Pundit

Written by

Connor Davis