Judge Dismisses Trump Suit Against Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Birthday-Letter

What happened: A federal judge on Oct. 31 dismissed with prejudice Trump's defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal's publisher and other defendants over an article about a birthday letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Key numbers: Trump sought $10 billion. The article ran in July 2025; Trump sued July 18, 2025. Why it matters: The judge ruled Trump failed to allege actual malice, finding the Journal detailed a thorough investigation and included his denials. Dismissal with prejudice bars another amended complaint. Coverage: 13 outlets in 24h

A federal judge on Oct. 31 dismissed with prejudice Trump's defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal's publisher and other defendants over an article about a birthday letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein.

The judge ruled Trump failed to allege actual malice, finding the Journal detailed a thorough investigation and included his denials. Dismissal with prejudice bars another amended complaint.