Trump Sues Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Report, Seeks $10 Billion
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a massive $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent company, Dow Jones & Company, over what he claims is a “defamatory and malicious” report linking him to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit, filed in a Florida court, alleges that the article intentionally misrepresented Trump’s past associations with Epstein and falsely implied his involvement in criminal or immoral activities.
The article in question, published earlier this month, examined a newly unsealed batch of documents from a long-running lawsuit involving Epstein’s associates. While the Journal did not explicitly accuse Trump of wrongdoing, the report mentioned his name among a list of high-profile figures who had social or professional ties to Epstein over the years. Trump argues that the article was written to sensationalize these connections and damage his reputation ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
According to the lawsuit, Trump’s legal team asserts that the article presented misleading facts, omitted crucial context, and was designed to create guilt by association. “President Trump has never been accused of any criminal conduct in connection with Jeffrey Epstein,” the complaint states. “Yet, The Wall Street Journal intentionally published a defamatory piece that falsely suggested otherwise, harming his reputation, political prospects, and business interests.”
Trump’s lawyers are demanding $10 billion in damages — one of the largest defamation claims in U.S. history — claiming that the article caused “incalculable harm” to his public image, brand, and future electoral chances. The lawsuit also accuses the Journal of engaging in “election interference,” a term frequently used by Trump when criticizing mainstream media coverage of his activities.
In response, The Wall Street Journal has defended its reporting, stating that the article was based on factual information from court records and did not make any unsubstantiated allegations. “Our reporting was accurate and responsible,” said a spokesperson for Dow Jones. “We will vigorously contest this lawsuit and defend our journalists’ right to report on matters of public interest.”
Legal experts note that Trump faces significant hurdles in winning such a large defamation suit. As a public figure, he must prove not only that the statements were false and damaging but also that they were made with “actual malice” — that is, with knowledge of their falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth. This is a high bar established by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark 1964 case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.
Trump has a history of suing media outlets over unfavorable coverage, though most of these suits have been dismissed or settled out of court. This latest lawsuit reflects his ongoing battle with the press, which he frequently labels as “fake news.” It also adds to the numerous legal fights he is engaged in, including multiple criminal indictments and civil fraud cases.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the outcome of this case could have implications not just for Trump, but also for press freedom, political accountability, and the boundaries of investigative journalism