Federal judge dismisses Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal

U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the Wall Street Journal. The legal action centered on a newspaper article claiming Trump's name appeared on a 2003 birthday card addressed to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Judge Gayles, presiding in a Miami federal court, ruled that the plaintiff failed to meet the legal standard required for defamation claims involving public figures. According to the court, public figures must prove that the defendant acted with actual malice, knowing the information was false or acting with reckless disregard for the truth. The judge noted that the newspaper contacted Trump for comment and included his denial, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. Consequently, the court found the claim did not meet the necessary criteria and dismissed the case. However, Judge Gayles granted Trump the right to file an amended version of the lawsuit by April 27. Representatives for Trump and the White House have not yet provided comments regarding the court's decision.