A United States federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over a report alleging that Trump sent a sexually suggestive birthday letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gatekeepers News reports that Judge Darrin Gayles, in a ruling on Saturday, dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, preventing Trump from filing an amended version of the case.
The lawsuit stemmed from a July 2025 report by the Wall Street Journal detailing an alleged 2003 birthday letter Trump sent to Epstein, which reportedly contained a drawing of a naked woman.
Murdoch is the founder of News Corp., the parent company of the Wall Street Journal.
Trump had previously filed an amended version of the lawsuit after Gayles rejected his initial complaint in April. However, the judge ruled that the president had failed to establish the legal basis for his defamation claim.
Gayles said Trump had failed on both occasions to demonstrate that the defendants “acted with actual malice”, a key requirement in defamation cases involving public figures.
The report intensified scrutiny of Trump, drawing criticism from both Democrats and members of his Republican Party, who rejected his attempts to dismiss the controversy as a hoax and called for the full release of documents relating to Epstein.
Alleged birthday letter to Epstein
The House Oversight Committee last year published a copy of the alleged birthday note, which featured a brief exchange between “Donald” and “Jeffrey”.
In the note, Donald says, “We have certain things in common,” to which Jeffrey responds, “Yes, we do, come to think of it.”
The letter continues with Donald asking, “Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?”
Jeffrey replies, “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”
The note concludes: “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump’s signature reportedly appears beneath the message, forming part of the outline of a nude woman.
Epstein files controversy
Trump’s supporters have followed the Epstein case for years, maintaining that powerful figures within the so-called “deep state” were protecting individuals associated with Epstein’s sex-trafficking network, particularly in the Democratic Party and Hollywood.
The president resisted calls for months to release the so-called “Epstein Files” held by the Department of Justice before eventually signing legislation passed by Congress requiring their publication.
Trump’s name appears repeatedly in the documents, but he has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged with any criminal offence connected to the case.
Several prominent figures have faced public disgrace over their associations with Epstein, including Britain’s former Prince Andrew.
With the November 3 US midterm elections approaching, which will determine control of Congress, Democrats have reportedly spent more than $35 million on advertisements related to the Epstein controversy.
Trump has faced relatively limited political opposition since returning to office in January 2025, with Republicans holding majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The courts have consequently played a significant role in challenging some of the president’s actions.
Trump faces legal challenge over proposed triumphal arch
In a separate development on Saturday, a new lawsuit was filed seeking to block Trump’s plan to construct a massive triumphal arch in front of the iconic military cemetery outside Washington.
The proposed structure is among several projects through which Trump has sought to leave his personal mark on the US capital, including a ballroom at the White House and an extensive renovation of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
On Friday, a federal judge questioned the government’s argument that the proposed arch, which Trump has said would accommodate drones and snipers, was necessary for national security.
Trump defended the project on Saturday, describing it as both a military and aesthetic necessity.
“It’s something (the) region needs militarily, and I think aesthetically also,” he told reporters.
“We’re going to see if we can get it built.”
