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Judge rules for The Washington Post in $3.8B defamation suit brought by Trump Media

Published July 8, 2026 at 12:21 AM UTC

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A federal judge in Tampa has dismissed a $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump Media and Technology Group against The Washington Post. U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber ruled that Trump Media failed to present sufficient evidence to prove that The Post acted with "actual malice" in publishing the allegedly defamatory statements. This ruling aligns with the legal standard established by the 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, which requires public figures to demonstrate that defamatory statements were made with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. The lawsuit stemmed from a May 13, 2023, article by The Post that focused on Trump Media's efforts to secure financing ahead of a merger with Digital World Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The article alleged that Trump Media had engaged in questionable financial practices, including the payment of a $240,000 loan referral fee. In May 2026, The Post issued a correction, stating that discovery in the ongoing litigation had established that Trump Media did not pay the loan referral fee as originally reported. Despite this correction, Trump Media pursued the defamation lawsuit, alleging a "years-long crusade" by The Post to damage the company's reputation. The court's decision to dismiss the case underscores the high burden of proof required for defamation claims brought by public figures, particularly when the alleged defamatory statements pertain to matters of public concern. The ruling also highlights the judiciary's role in upholding First Amendment protections for the press, ensuring that media organizations can report on public figures without undue fear of litigation. A spokesperson for The Post expressed satisfaction with the court's decision and indicated that the newspaper would review the forthcoming written order upon its release. Trump Media has indicated that it is considering an appeal of the court's ruling. The case reflects the ongoing legal battles between President Donald Trump's media ventures and major news organizations, raising important questions about the balance between defamation laws and the First Amendment rights of the press.