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Politics · October 31, 2026

Judge tosses Trump lawsuit against WSJ, Murdoch over Epstein story

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On Saturday, October 31, U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles dismissed President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch with prejudice. The lawsuit sought $10 billion in damages regarding the publication's reporting on a purported birthday letter Trump allegedly sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The court ruled that the president failed to meet the 'actual malice' legal standard required for public figures to prove defamation. This dismissal marks the second time this year that the court has rejected the president's legal challenges against the Journal concerning his relationship with Epstein, and the ruling with prejudice prevents the claims from being refiled.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles dismissed President Trump's lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch.
  • The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
  • The ruling occurred on Saturday, October 31.
  • The lawsuit concerned reporting on Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, specifically a purported birthday letter.
  • The judge ruled that the president failed to establish 'actual malice,' the legal standard for defamation against public figures.
  • The lawsuit sought billions in damages.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The specific damages sought were $10 billion.
  • The judge's ruling stated the lawsuit attempted to 'manufacture' flaws in the Journal's reporting.
  • The president is currently involved in other media-related lawsuits involving the BBC, AP, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.
  • The Journal's article in question was published in July 2025.
  • The ruling cited the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan.
  • Judge Gayles was appointed by Barack Obama.

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