Wall Street Journal Asks Judge to Dismiss Trump's Defamation Lawsuit Over Epstein Letter
The Wall Street Journal has requested a U.S. judge to dismiss the defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit alleges the paper defamed him in an article asserting his name appeared on a 2003 birthday greeting for the late Jeffrey Epstein. The WSJ argues the lawsuit is a threat to freedom of speech.
The Core of the Dispute: The Epstein Birthday Letter
At the center of the lawsuit is a report by the Wall Street Journal about a purported birthday letter from Trump to Epstein. The letter, according to the WSJ, included a "bawdy" sketch and a suggestive message. Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter, calling it "fake news."
The Wall Street Journal stands by its reporting. Lawyers for the paper and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, argue that the article is accurate and that the evidence is publicly available, now that the letter has been released by Congress.
WSJ's Argument: First Amendment Protection
The Wall Street Journal's lawyers assert that Trump's lawsuit is an "affront to the First Amendment" and an attempt to silence critical coverage. They argue that the suit lacks plausible allegations that the defendants knowingly published false statements. The motion to dismiss calls the lawsuit "meritless" and "a threat to chill the speech of those who dare to publish content that the President does not like."
Trump's History of Lawsuits Against Media Outlets
This lawsuit is one of several that Trump has filed against major media outlets in recent months, alleging unfair or false reporting. Previous suits include one against the New York Times and another against CBS News's parent company, Paramount Global. Concerns have been raised about Trump's use of defamation cases to quell critical coverage.
Key Legal Standards in Defamation Cases
To succeed in a defamation case, public figures like Trump must meet the "actual malice" standard. This means proving that the statement was false and that the media outlet knew or should have known it was false. The WSJ argues that Trump cannot meet this standard.
Reactions and Political Context
The lawsuit was filed as Trump's administration faced criticism over its handling of the Epstein case. The Justice Department had initially promised to release files from its sex trafficking investigation into Epstein but later reneged on that promise. The case also coincides with increased scrutiny of Trump's relationship with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Recent Legal Setbacks for Trump
The Wall Street Journal's motion to dismiss comes shortly after a federal judge dismissed Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times. The judge criticized the complaint as "tedious and burdensome" and gave Trump's lawyers time to file an amended complaint. These legal challenges underscore the difficulties Trump faces in pursuing defamation claims against media organizations.
Details of the Purported Letter
The letter allegedly signed by Trump reportedly features a sexually suggestive drawing and a birthday wish that says "may every day be another wonderful secret." The letter was shared with members of Congress by the Epstein estate. The WSJ also included in the article that Trump denied the letter and the signature was not his.
WSJ Defense: The Article Did Not Damage Trump's Reputation
The Wall Street Journal further argues that even if the letter were authentic and "bawdy," it would not damage Trump's reputation, given his well-documented history of making suggestive and controversial remarks, including those revealed in the "Access Hollywood" tape.
