Judge tosses Trump defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal

In a significant legal development, a US federal judge has thrown out a substantial US$10 billion defamation lawsuit brought forth by former President Donald Trump against The Wall Street Journal. The suit, which stemmed from a report concerning a birthday letter allegedly sent by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, was dismissed on the grounds that Trump had not met the necessary legal threshold to prove defamation.

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Because President Trump has not plausibly alleged that defendants published the article with actual malice, both counts must be dismissed.

District Judge Darrin Gayles, in a detailed ruling, concluded that Trump had failed to demonstrate that The Wall Street Journal knowingly published false statements with 'actual malice.' This legal standard is crucial in defamation cases involving public figures, requiring proof that the publisher acted with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth. The judge, appointed by former President Barack Obama, has granted Trump the opportunity to amend his complaint and resubmit the case by April 27.

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President Trump will follow Judge Gayles’s ruling and guidance to refile this powerhouse lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and all of the other defendants.

Despite the dismissal, Trump's legal team has indicated their intention to refile the lawsuit, vowing to hold accountable those they accuse of spreading 'fake news.' This action is part of a broader pattern of intensified hostility towards the media since Trump's return to the White House, marked by restricted access, public criticism of journalists, and legal challenges seeking significant financial compensation. The case highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and news organizations he perceives as biased.

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The president will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in ‘fake news’ to mislead the American people.