Trump Media Corporation Withdraws Defamation Lawsuit Against The Guardian

Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), has voluntarily dismissed a defamation lawsuit against The Guardian and two other defendants concerning a report about federal investigations into $8 million in payments linked to potential money laundering. The lawsuit was filed in response to a March 2023 article that reported on a criminal inquiry by New York prosecutors into TMTG's financial dealings, particularly loans from entities with ties to Vladimir Putin. The dismissal was filed in the 12th judicial circuit in Sarasota County, Florida, and allows TMTG the option to refile the lawsuit in the future.

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The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that TMTG received loans from questionable sources, which the company claimed were unfounded. A judge had previously dismissed most of the case, stating that TMTG failed to prove actual malice in The Guardian's reporting. Despite this setback, TMTG had amended its complaint, but ultimately chose to withdraw the case entirely before a scheduled hearing.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for The Guardian welcomed TMTG's decision to withdraw the lawsuit, asserting that the reporting was based on thorough fact-checking and credible sources. They emphasized that TMTG's claims lacked merit from the beginning. In contrast, a lawyer for Trump had previously described The Guardian's reporting as "false" and labeled it a "hoax," asserting that TMTG would continue to pursue litigation on this matter.

The Guardian

The withdrawal marks a rare retreat for Trump, who has aggressively pursued legal action against various media outlets during his presidency. Critics have pointed to this as a potential sign of weakness in his legal strategy, especially given his history of securing settlements in other high-profile cases. Trump's ongoing lawsuits against media companies, including a $15 billion suit against The New York Times and a $10 billion suit against the BBC, have drawn scrutiny regarding their implications for press freedom.

The Guardian

While TMTG has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the nature and origin of the loans remain opaque. The Guardian's reporting identified specific financial transactions involving Paxum Bank and the ES Family Trust, which have come under scrutiny in the federal investigation. However, TMTG's legal team has not provided additional evidence to support their claims of defamation.

The Guardian

As TMTG has the option to refile the lawsuit, it remains to be seen whether they will pursue this avenue. The legal landscape for Trump and his media company continues to evolve, with ongoing lawsuits against other media entities that may further impact their public image and operational stability.

The Guardian

• “In a statement, a spokesperson for Guardian News and Media (GNM) said: “We enthusiastically welcome Trump Media’s voluntary dismissal of its suit against the Guardian, which is long overdue.” — Spokesperson, Guardian News and Media

The Guardian

• “Litigation will continue on this point, and we are confident that the Guardian will ultimately be held responsible for its defamation – and this story should be retracted.” — Lawyer for Trump

The Guardian