US judge dismisses $10bn Trump defamation suit against Wall Street Journal

April 13, 2026

A Florida federal judge dismissed President Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and its publisher over an article reporting that Trump's name appeared in Jeffrey Epstein's 2003 birthday book with a drawing of a woman's body. Trump had sought at least $10 billion in damages, but the judge ruled he failed to demonstrate the newspaper acted with actual malice, which is the required legal standard for defamation cases involving public figures. The dismissal was without prejudice, meaning Trump can file an amended version of the lawsuit by April 27th.

Who is affected

President Trump (plaintiff whose lawsuit was dismissed)
The Wall Street Journal and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. (defendants)
Democratic lawmakers (who published the birthday note image)
US District Judge Darrin Gayles (who ruled on the case)

What action is being taken

Trump's lawyer is planning to refile the lawsuit
Trump is allowed to file a new, amended lawsuit (with a deadline of April 27th)

Why it matters

This case highlights the high legal threshold for defamation cases involving public figures in the United States, where plaintiffs must prove "actual malice" - demonstrating that publishers knew information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The ruling protects press freedom by affirming that news organizations cannot be successfully sued for defamation simply because a public figure disputes their reporting; there must be clear evidence of knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for truth.

What's next

Trump has until April 27th to file a new, amended lawsuit
Trump's lawyer stated the president will refile the suit

Read full article from source: BBC