Overview
- In an October 20 filing, President Donald Trump asked a federal judge in Florida to deny the Wall Street Journal’s motion to dismiss his suit over a 2003 letter the paper linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Trump’s lawyers allege the reporting was deliberate and malicious, say the Journal never authenticated or even possessed the purported letter, and request oral argument.
- The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones and News Corp. argue for dismissal, citing substantial truth, First Amendment protections, and materials reportedly produced by the Epstein estate to Congress.
- ABC News reports the House Oversight Committee has released records that include a copy of Epstein’s birthday book with the alleged Trump page, while Ghislaine Maxwell told officials she could not recall if Trump contributed.
- Legal analysts note Trump must prove actual malice, and the next step is a defense reply before Judge Darrin P. Gayles decides on dismissal, possible amendment, or discovery.