A federal judge permanently dismissed Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a 2025 Epstein letter story, calling the case "grasping at straws." U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles ruled Trump failed to prove "actual malice" as required by law.
Judge dismisses Trump’s $10 billion Wall Street Journal defamation suit over Epstein letter
The letter was a sexually suggestive note bearing Trump’s name, included in a 2003 birthday album for Jeffrey Epstein compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 billion | $10 billion | November 1, 2026 | NPR |
| Dismissed with prejudice | Permanent dismissal | October 31, 2026 | AFR |
What happened
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles in Miami permanently dismissed Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a July 2025 story about a sexually suggestive letter allegedly bearing Trump’s name. The letter, part of a 2003 Epstein birthday album, included text framed by a hand-drawn nude woman and ended with “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump denied writing it and called the reporting “false, malicious, and defamatory.” Gayles ruled Trump failed to prove the defendants published defamatory statements with “actual malice,” a legal standard for public figures.Who is affected
The ruling directly impacts The Wall Street Journal, its parent company News Corp, and its executives, including Rupert Murdoch and Robert Thomson, who are no longer facing the $10 billion lawsuit. Trump’s legal team and his administration remain embroiled in other media-related lawsuits, including cases against the BBC, The Associated Press, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The White House has not publicly responded to the dismissal. The lawsuit sought $10 billion in damages, but Judge Gayles dismissed it with prejudice, meaning Trump cannot refile the case in the same court. The Journal’s reporting was based on a 2003 album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein’s 50th birthday, which included the disputed letter.What to do next
Trump’s legal team has indicated they will appeal the decision, though the defendants are also seeking attorneys’ fees under anti-SLAPP laws. The case hinged on the Supreme Court’s 1964 ruling in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which requires public figures to prove a media outlet knowingly published falsehoods or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.What we know and don’t know
We know the judge ruled Trump’s claims lacked merit and that the Journal’s investigation was “thoughtful and detailed.” However, the ruling did not determine the letter’s authenticity or the truth of the Journal’s reporting—only whether Trump plausibly alleged malice. The defendants have 30 days to file a motion on whether Florida’s or New York’s anti-SLAPP laws apply, which could impact fee awards.Timeline of the case
- July 2025: The Wall Street Journal publishes the Epstein letter story.
- April 2026: Judge Gayles dismisses Trump’s initial lawsuit, ruling he failed to prove malice.
- May 2026: Trump files an amended complaint.
- October 31, 2026: Judge Gayles dismisses the amended lawsuit with prejudice, calling it “grasping at straws.”
Why it matters
This ruling reinforces the high bar for defamation lawsuits against media outlets reporting on public figures, aligning with *Sullivan*’s protections for investigative journalism. It also signals continued legal and reputational challenges for Trump, who has faced multiple lawsuits from news organizations over his second term. The case underscores the broader trend of Trump’s adversarial relationship with the press, including banning outlets from the White House and labeling them “fake news.”Frequently asked questions
What was the Epstein letter?
The letter was a sexually suggestive note bearing Trump’s name, included in a 2003 birthday album for Jeffrey Epstein compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell. It featured text framed by a hand-drawn nude woman and ended with “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Why did Trump sue The Wall Street Journal?
Trump sued over a July 2025 article reporting on the letter, alleging it was defamatory and caused “overwhelming financial and reputational harm.” He claimed the Journal knowingly published false statements about his ties to Epstein.
Can Trump appeal the dismissal?
Yes, Trump’s legal team has stated they will appeal the decision, though the defendants are also pursuing attorneys’ fees under anti-SLAPP laws.
What does “dismissed with prejudice” mean?
Dismissing a case with prejudice means Trump cannot refile the same lawsuit in the same court, making the dismissal final and binding.
How does the Sullivan ruling apply here?
The New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) ruling requires public figures like Trump to prove a media outlet published defamatory statements with “actual malice”—knowingly false or reckless disregard for the truth. Judge Gayles ruled Trump failed to meet this standard.
Are there other lawsuits involving Trump and media outlets?
Yes, Trump is also embroiled in lawsuits against the BBC, The Associated Press, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, all stemming from his second-term administration’s contentious relationship with the press.
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Sources
- Judge dismisses Trump suit against Wall Street Journal, Murdoch over Epstein letter — fox32chicago.com, 2026-10-31