Dismissed With Prejudice: Judge Again Tosses Trump Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Note

Second lawsuit dismissed

The federal judge overseeing the case dismissed Trump’s lawsuit with prejudice on Saturday. The ruling means he cannot file another case against the outlet over the matter. Trump had sought $10 billion in damages, accusing the newspaper of defamation over its report about an alleged birthday letter to Epstein. He has denied writing it and said the signature was not his. The suit named the newspaper, Rupert Murdoch, and journalists and publishers involved in the reporting.

Actual malice at issue

Judge Gayles wrote that Trump appeared to argue the newspaper acted with actual malice by publishing despite his denials. The judge said Trump’s position was that the defendants should have ignored other information gathered during their investigation once he called the letter fake.

In an earlier order dismissing Trump’s first attempt to sue, Gayles said he came nowhere close to meeting the required standard. The judge also described Trump as grasping at straws to prove his case.

What the report described

The newspaper reported on a 2003 birthday greeting to Epstein for his 50th birthday. It included a message saying, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey,” and another wishing him “another wonderful secret,” written inside the outline of a woman’s body.

Trump has repeatedly denied writing the note and has called the report false and defamatory. He says no authentic letter or drawing exists.

Epstein investigations continue

Trump later signed a measure requiring the release of millions of documents from Epstein investigations. Members of Congress have also begun committee-led inquiries into Epstein, his associates and his finances.

Trump has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing connected to Epstein. The account says he maintains that he ended contact with Epstein years before Epstein faced investigation.