Federal judge dismisses Trump lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter

Case dismissed with prejudice

US District Judge Darrin Gayles ruled that the president failed to prove actual malice in the defendants' statements. The court determined the lawsuit was grasping at straws and attempted to manufacture flaws in the reporting. This final dismissal means the case cannot be amended or refiled.

Court cites reporting standards

The judge noted the newspaper followed appropriate standards by obtaining Trump's response before publication. The ruling included evidence that the article featured his direct denials of the allegations. Consequently, the amended complaint could not meet the high legal threshold required for public figures.

Previous dismissal stands

This decision follows an earlier dismissal in April that allowed Trump to revise his complaint. The court found the second attempt still insufficient to establish the necessary legal elements. The case now concludes after these repeated efforts by the plaintiff.