US judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit against Wall Street Journal with prejudice

President Trump's $20 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a story alleging his involvement in a sexually suggestive letter for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday book has been dismissed with prejudice by U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles in Miami. The ruling, a 20-page document, stated that Trump failed to prove the newspaper made defamatory statements with actual malice.

Actual malice requires proof that the statements were published knowingly false or with disregard for their truth. The dismissal is permanent, and Trump cannot refile the suit. Trump's legal team stated they will continue to hold those who spread "Fake News" and smears accountable, but a source said an appeal is likely. The lawsuit stemmed from a WSJ report describing a letter allegedly containing Trump's name in an album for Epstein's birthday.

Trump dismissed the story as "FAKE" and filed the lawsuit, which included the newspaper, its parent company, the CEO, reporters, and News Corp's chairman.