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Trump Files $10 B Defamation Suit Over WSJ Epstein Story

5/28/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump filed an amended $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones and News Corp in Florida.
Trump’s attorneys allege the Journal fabricated a 2003 birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein, omitted its image and failed to explain its source, showing actual malice.
A federal judge dismissed the earlier suit in April 2026 for lacking the actual-malice standard required for public-figure libel claims.

History

Historical Context

In 1964 the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan held that a public figure must prove actual malice—knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard—to win a libel suit. The rule resurfaced in 2026 when a Florida federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s defamation case against News Corp and the Wall Street Journal for lacking that proof, underscoring the decision’s lasting impact.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump filed an amended $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones and News Corp in Florida.
Trump’s attorneys allege the Journal fabricated a 2003 birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein, omitted its image and failed to explain its source, showing actual malice.
A federal judge dismissed the earlier suit in April 2026 for lacking the actual-malice standard required for public-figure libel claims.

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