Chicago – April 13, 2026
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed former President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, ruling that the publication’s opinion-based editorial did not meet the legal threshold for defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2021 article that criticized Trump’s business practices and his post-presidency influence within the Republican Party.
The court found that the editorial was protected speech under the First Amendment, noting that political commentary—even if harsh or unfavorable—cannot be considered defamatory when based on opinion. Trump’s legal team called the decision biased and signaled plans to appeal.
The Wall Street Journal, owned by News Corp, welcomed the ruling, saying it upholds press freedom and the right to express political viewpoints. The dismissal marks another legal setback for Trump, who remains entangled in several civil and criminal proceedings across the country.
