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Judge Dismisses Trump's $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against WSJ

4/17/2026

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Trump's Defamation Suit Dismissed

A federal judge dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal regarding a letter to Jeffrey Epstein, ruling he did not prove actual malice.
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles said The Wall Street Journal sought Trump's comments before publication, undermining malice claims.
Trump plans to refile the suit by April 27, arguing he will hold accountable those spreading "fake news."

Right

Trump Criticizes Judge

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for blocking the White House ballroom project, claiming it serves national security.
He said on Truth Social that the project has been in planning for over a century and is essential for future presidential operations.
Trump accused Leon of political bias and questioned the timing of challenges to the project.
Leon's ruling halted above-ground work without congressional approval.
The administration is considering a Supreme Court appeal.

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Trump's Defamation Suit Dismissed

A federal judge dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal regarding a letter to Jeffrey Epstein, ruling he did not prove actual malice.
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles said The Wall Street Journal sought Trump's comments before publication, undermining malice claims.
Trump plans to refile the suit by April 27, arguing he will hold accountable those spreading "fake news."

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