Judge dismisses Trump’s $10 billion defamation suit over alleged Epstein birthday letter
A federal judge threw out former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch, ruling he failed to prove actual malice.
Background of the lawsuit
In July 2025 the Wall Street Journal, owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, published a story claiming former President Donald Trump wrote a birthday letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. The article said the note included a drawing of a naked woman and a dialogue between “Donald” and “Jeffrey.”
Trump’s legal action
Trump responded by filing a defamation suit seeking $10 billion in damages, alleging the newspaper’s report was false and damaging to his reputation.
Judge’s ruling
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles issued a ruling on Saturday (local time) dismissing the case with prejudice, meaning Trump cannot refile the claim. The judge noted that Trump had previously filed a version of the suit in April, which was also rejected.
Gayles wrote that Trump failed to establish that the defendants ‘acted with actual malice’ in both filings, a required element for a public‑figure defamation claim.
Content of the alleged letter
“We have certain things in common,” says Donald; Epstein replies, “Yes, we do, come to think of it.”
Donald asks, “Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?”
Epstein answers, “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”
The note ends, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,” followed by Trump’s signature, which the report said replaces the pubic hair on the nude outline.
Political reaction
The story intensified scrutiny of Trump from both Democrats and members of his own Republican party, who rejected his claim that the saga was a hoax and called for full release of the so‑called “Epstein Files.”
Broader context
The House Oversight Committee previously released a copy of the alleged birthday note. Trump has long denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein, and no criminal charges have been filed against him in connection with the case.
Conclusion
With the dismissal, the legal battle over the alleged Epstein birthday letter ends for now, leaving the controversy to continue in the political arena.
