President Donald Trump filed a revised $10 billion defamation lawsuit Wednesday against the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, days after a federal judge dismissed his original complaint over an article about a 2003 birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein.
The new filing in Miami federal court targets Dow Jones & Co. (WSJ’s publisher), News Corp., Rupert Murdoch, CEO Robert Thomson, and two Journal reporters. It alleges the July 2025 article falsely tarnished Trump’s reputation by reporting on a bawdy birthday greeting — reportedly bearing Trump’s signature and including a drawing of a naked woman — that was part of a book compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday.
U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles had dismissed the initial lawsuit earlier this year, ruling that it failed to sufficiently plead “actual malice” — the high legal bar requiring proof that the defendants knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. The judge allowed Trump until May 27 to refile an amended complaint.
Trump has long denied any improper relationship and claims the letter/card is fake or misrepresented.
This is one of multiple defamation lawsuits Trump has filed in his personal capacity against major news organizations since returning to the White House.
Critics view the suits as part of a broader pressure campaign against the media. The case is among the most high-profile examples of Trump’s legal battles with outlets he accuses of unfair coverage. Further developments are expected as the revised complaint proceeds through the courts.