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Florida Judge Dismisses Trump Media Defamation Suit Against Washington Post

7/11/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Florida federal judge dismissed Trump Media and Technology Group’s 2023 defamation lawsuit against The Washington Post.
Judge Thomas Barber said the plaintiff failed to show clear and convincing evidence of actual malice.
U.S. President Donald Trump was ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $5.8 million for sexual abuse and defamation.
Trump Media’s spokesperson called the ruling a win and said the company will consider an appeal.

History

Historical Context

The Supreme Court’s 1964 unanimous decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, authored by Justice William Brennan, required public officials and later public figures to prove actual malice—knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard. Decades later, Judge Thomas Barber invoked that rule to throw out Trump Media’s 2023 defamation claim against The Washington Post, reinforcing the high burden for political defendants.

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Story summary

A Florida federal judge dismissed Trump Media and Technology Group’s 2023 defamation lawsuit against The Washington Post.
Judge Thomas Barber said the plaintiff failed to show clear and convincing evidence of actual malice.
U.S. President Donald Trump was ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $5.8 million for sexual abuse and defamation.
Trump Media’s spokesperson called the ruling a win and said the company will consider an appeal.

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