Trump loses legal battle over Epstein-linked Wall Street Journal case

What happened: A federal judge permanently dismissed Donald Trump's $10bn defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over coverage linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. Key numbers: $10bn lawsuit filed July 18, 2025. WSJ article published July 17, 2025. Ruling issued Saturday by Judge Darrin Gayles. Why it matters: Gayles ruled Trump failed to plead "actual malice" and dismissed the case with prejudice, blocking future litigation on the matter. Trump has other defamation cases against the BBC and The New York Times. Coverage: 5 outlets in 24h

A federal judge permanently dismissed Donald Trump's $10bn defamation lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over coverage linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.

Gayles ruled Trump failed to plead "actual malice" and dismissed the case with prejudice, blocking future litigation on the matter. Trump has other defamation cases against the BBC and The New York Times.