Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Trump Awkward as WSJ Wins Awards for Epstein Report
At the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Wall Street Journal reporters won awards for a story about a letter Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump, who was present, found the evening awkward as the awards were given.
He has denied writing the letter and sued the Journal for defamation, claiming the report was false.
The Journal stands by its report, stating the evidence is publicly available.
A federal judge initially dismissed the lawsuit but allowed Trump to file an amended complaint.
Wall Street Journal reporters won awards at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner for a report on a disputed letter from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump found the evening awkward and later criticized the media in his speech.
Trump denies writing the letter and claims he cut ties with Epstein before the investigation.
Trump sued the Journal for defamation, but a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, allowing an amended complaint.
The Journal's lawyers argue the lawsuit lacks credible claims of knowingly publishing false statements.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Wall Street Journal reporters, Jeffrey Epstein
- What
- Awards ceremony and defamation lawsuit
- When
- Friday, July 24, 2026
- Where
- Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- Why
- WSJ reporters won awards for a report on a disputed letter from Trump to Epstein, leading to a defamation lawsuit.
Trump's Defense
Wall Street Journal's Stance
Authenticity of the Letter
Trump's Defense
Trump denies writing the letter and claims he cut ties with Epstein years before the investigation.
Wall Street Journal's Stance
The Wall Street Journal stands by the accuracy of the report, stating the evidence is publicly available.
Defamation Lawsuit
Trump's Defense
Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal, claiming the report was false and malicious.
Wall Street Journal's Stance
The Journal's lawyers argue the lawsuit lacks credible claims of knowingly publishing false statements.
- Event
- White House Correspondents’ Association dinner
- Award Winners
- Wall Street Journal reporters
- Disputed Letter
- Birthday message to Jeffrey Epstein
- Lawsuit Status
- Amended complaint filed after initial dismissal
- Legal Bar
- Actual malice