A federal judge in Miami dismissed Donald Trump’s $10 billion libel lawsuit against News Corp and The Wall Street Journal on April 13, 2026, ruling that the complaint failed to meet the "actual malice" standard required for a public figure to succeed in a defamation case.
The judge noted that the Wall Street Journal had reached out to Trump, the Justice Department and the FBI for comment before publishing the July 17, 2025 story that alleged Trump sent a bawdy birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein. Because the publication could not demonstrate that it knew the allegations were false or acted with reckless disregard, the lawsuit was dismissed. Trump was granted until April 27, 2026 to file an amended complaint, meaning the dismissal is without prejudice and the case could be refiled.
The lawsuit stemmed from a July 17, 2025 Wall Street Journal article that claimed Trump had sent a note containing a crude drawing of a naked woman to Epstein in 2003. Trump has repeatedly denied authoring the letter, calling the story "fake news" and threatening further legal action against the newspaper and its owner, Rupert Murdoch.
News Corp’s financial performance in the months surrounding the dismissal shows a company that is growing its core businesses. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (ended September 30, 2025) revenue rose 2% year‑over‑year to $2.14 billion and Total Segment EBITDA increased 5% to $340 million. The second quarter (ended December 31, 2025) saw revenue climb 6% to $2.36 billion and EBITDA jump 9% to $521 million. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.22 in Q1 and $0.40 in Q2, both above the prior year’s $0.20 and $0.33, respectively. The company has also been actively repurchasing stock under a $1 billion program authorized in 2025, underscoring confidence in its balance sheet.
The dismissal removes a significant potential liability for News Corp and signals a legal win for the company’s editorial arm. However, the possibility of a refile means the risk is not fully eliminated, and the case remains part of Trump’s broader pattern of lawsuits aimed at media outlets. For News Corp, the outcome preserves capital that can be deployed toward growth initiatives while reinforcing the company’s resilience against high‑profile legal challenges.
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