US judge dismisses Trump's defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter

Unbiased summary

A US federal judge has dismissed with prejudice Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its parent company Dow Jones over a 2023 article about a letter allegedly sent by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The lawsuit, initially seeking $20 billion and later $10 billion, was thrown out after the judge found that Trump's legal team failed to plausibly allege 'actual malice'—the legal standard for public figures. The judge had previously dismissed an earlier version of the complaint but allowed Trump to amend it. The dismissal with prejudice means the case cannot be refiled. The judge cited the newspaper's pre-publication efforts to obtain Trump's response and its inclusion of his denials as evidence of responsible reporting. Trump's legal team said he will appeal.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Presents the ruling as a straightforward legal defeat for Trump, emphasizing the court's reasoning on actual malice and the newspaper's reporting standards.

Bias The Guardian focuses on the judge's finding that the Wall Street Journal followed appropriate reporting standards and included Trump's denials, which supports a narrative of journalistic integrity. It mentions Trump's history of suing media organizations, subtly framing the lawsuit as part of a pattern. It omits the judge's 'grasping at straws' comment and the specific damages amount, and does not include the Dow Jones spokesperson's reaction.

Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein birthday letter

BBC News centre-left

Angle Frames the dismissal as a First Amendment victory and highlights the judge's sharp criticism of Trump's legal arguments.

Bias The BBC emphasizes the judge's 'grasping at straws' remark and the First Amendment, portraying the lawsuit as an attack on press freedom. It includes the reduced damages amount ($20bn to $10bn) and the Dow Jones spokesperson's comment, but omits the detail that the case was dismissed with prejudice (though it states it cannot be filed again). The article's mention of the Epstein documents controversy provides context but may subtly link the lawsuit to broader political pressure.

Judge dismisses Trump's lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein birthday book

Daily Mail right

Angle Casts the dismissal as a political and legal blow to Trump just before midterms, while giving prominent space to Trump's vow to appeal.

Bias The Daily Mail emphasizes the timing 'days before midterms' as a blow to Trump and his administration, but also prominently includes Trump's spokesperson's statement about appealing and holding 'Fake News' accountable. It omits the First Amendment reasoning and the judge's finding that the Journal followed appropriate reporting standards, instead focusing on the 'grasping at straws' phrase and the permanent nature of the dismissal. The inclusion of a quiz and the 'blow to Trump' framing adds a sensational tone.

Judge tosses Trump's $10bn lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein birthday card just days before midterms