The Washington Post successfully had defamation claims dismissed against them by the company behind former President Donald Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
The claims stemmed from an article covering Truth Social’s proposed multi-billion dollar merger with Digital World Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company.
The article, published on May 13, 2023, was titled “Trust linked to porn-friendly bank could gain a stake in Trump’s Truth.” It discussed the potential involvement of a trust linked to a bank known for its association with the adult entertainment industry in Truth Social’s merger plans.
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp., which owns Truth Social, filed the lawsuit against The Washington Post over the article. However, a judge dismissed the defamation claims, ruling in favor of The Washington Post.
The merger between Truth Social and Digital World Acquisition Corp. is a significant move for Trump’s media venture. Truth Social was launched as an alternative social media platform catering to conservative voices after Trump was banned from mainstream platforms following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
The dismissal of the defamation claims is a legal victory for The Washington Post. However, the lawsuit highlights the contentious nature of media coverage surrounding Trump and his business ventures, especially in the realm of social media and technology.
