A U.S. federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against The Wall Street Journal over a report linking his name to a 2003 birthday greeting for late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Miami-based U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles ruled that Trump failed to meet the “actual malice” standard required for public figures in defamation cases. However, the court allowed Trump the opportunity to file an amended complaint by April 27.
In his ruling, Judge Gayles emphasized that public figures must prove not only that a statement is false but also that it was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. The judge found that Trump’s claims did not sufficiently demonstrate that the publication acted with such intent. The lawsuit stemmed from a July 17, 2025 article published by the newspaper, which Trump had described as “fake” and damaging to his reputation.
Trump had sought $10 billion in damages in the case, while News Corp subsidiary Dow Jones, the parent company of the Journal, stood by the accuracy of its reporting. The dismissal marks a setback for Trump’s legal challenge, though the option to refile keeps the matter open for further proceedings.
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