Federal Judge CRUSHES Trump’s Lawsuit

Judge holding gavel, hand raised in courtroom. — JUDGE CRUSHES TRUMP LAWSUIT

A federal judge just dismissed President Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a questionable Epstein letter, handing a major win to media elites while Trump vows to fight back.

Story Highlights

U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles dismissed the lawsuit on April 13, 2026, ruling Trump’s team failed to prove “actual malice” by the WSJ.
The case stems from a 2025 WSJ article on a 2003 letter allegedly from Trump in Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday booklet, which Trump calls fake.
Dismissal is without prejudice; Trump has until April 27, 2026, to refile with stronger evidence.
WSJ verified the letter by contacting the FBI and the DOJ, shielding them under First Amendment protections for public figures.
Trump spokesperson confirms plans to refile, amid ongoing tensions with media over Epstein file coverage.

The Epstein Letter at the Center of the Dispute

The Wall Street Journal published an article in July 2025 detailing a letter purportedly written by Donald Trump for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday booklet in 2003. Ghislaine Maxwell created the booklet, which featured the letter with Trump’s name and signature framed in an outline of a naked woman.

The text read, “May every day be another wonderful secret” and called Epstein a “pal.” Trump immediately denied authorship, labeling it a “fake letter” with words not in his style. This unusual formatting, including the signature’s placement, drew scrutiny amid Epstein’s files becoming public.

Judge dismisses Trump $10B #defamation lawsuit against Murdoch, WSJ about Epstein letter https://t.co/DTYOEXSGzm

— Alderman IP (@ContentLawyer) April 13, 2026

Judge’s Ruling Upholds High Bar for Defamation

U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles dismissed the $10 billion suit against the WSJ, Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch, CEO Robert Thomson, and reporters on April 13, 2026. Gayles ruled Trump’s complaint “came nowhere close” to proving actual malice, the standard for public figures under New York Times v. Sullivan.

He noted the WSJ’s thorough verification, including outreach to the FBI and Department of Justice, directly rebutted claims of reckless disregard. The 17-page order focused solely on defendants’ conduct, not the letter’s authenticity.

Actual malice requires showing that defendants knew statements were false or deliberately avoided the truth. Gayles emphasized responsible journalism, like the WSJ’s efforts, provides robust First Amendment protection. This ruling reinforces that media outlets face a steep hurdle when reporting on public interest matters involving controversial documents from figures like Epstein.

Trump’s Path Forward and Broader Implications

The dismissal came without prejudice, granting Trump’s team two weeks to amend and refile by April 27, 2026. A Trump spokesperson told Politico the president will refile this “powerhouse lawsuit” per the judge’s guidance. Despite the suit, Trump sent a video message for Murdoch’s 95th birthday in March 2026, signaling their alliance endures amid News Corp tensions.

Conservatives see this as media weaponization against Trump, echoing deep state frustrations where elites shield each other while scrutinizing patriots. This decision strengthens media defenses in defamation cases, setting precedent for future reporting. It highlights the challenge public figures face against outlets claiming investigative rigor.

For Americans weary of elite games, it underscores how courts prioritize press freedoms over individual reputation claims, fueling distrust in institutions meant to deliver justice.