WSJ seeks dismissal of Trump's lawsuit over Epstein letter

On Monday, The Wall Street Journal asked a federal judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit. The article claimed that Trump's signature appeared on a birthday greeting to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003.

The newspaper and its lawyers described the lawsuit as a “threat to freedom of expression.” They insist that the article is accurate and point out that the letter is identical to documents submitted to Congress.

Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages and insists that the signature is not his; he describes the letter as a forgery. The Wall Street Journal argues that the article could not have damaged Trump's reputation because he had publicly acknowledged his connection to Epstein.

The lawsuit is one of several legal battles Trump is waging against media outlets for critical reporting. Representatives of the Democratic Party and organizations dedicated to protecting freedom of the press warn against attempts to silence critical journalism through lawsuits.

(reuters, sie)