A federal judge in Florida has dismissed a $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the Washington Post.
Tampa District Court Judge Thomas Patrick Barber, appointed by Trump, issued a summary judgment order in favor of the newspaper.
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A full opinion will follow later.
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2023 report about Trump Media and Technology Group.
The article alleged the company secured funding from an obscure entity tied to a bank linked to the adult entertainment industry.
The publication stated that entities failed to disclose a $240,000 finder's fee for an $8 million loan deal involving ES Family Trust and Entoro Securities.
This legal defeat follows similar dismissals of Trump's claims against the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Penguin, as well as a dropped claim against the Guardian.
A Washington Post spokesperson welcomed the decision.
"We are pleased with the court's decision and look forward to reviewing its written order upon release," she said.
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The Post had previously published a correction after discovery established that Trump Media did not pay the $240,000 fee.
The correction also noted that the mention of non-disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission was inaccurate because no payment was made.
Trump Media and Technology Group responded, viewing the correction as confirmation of their position.
"After three years, The Washington Post finally admitted its harmful story was false," a statement said.
The company said it would evaluate options for a potential appeal.
"We believe a jury should decide whether these falsehoods were actionable and will evaluate whether to appeal last week’s ruling in due course.
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We will also continue to hold the media accountable," the statement added.
