Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s Copyright Case Against Woodward
BREAKING: A federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s copyright lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and his publisher, Simon & Schuster, in a ruling announced on July 14, 2023. This significant legal setback comes on the same day Trump launched a new, unrelated lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal.
US District Judge Paul Gardephe of the Southern District of New York ruled that Trump’s legal team has one month to file an amended complaint, but emphasized that it is “unlikely” Trump can demonstrate a viable copyright interest in the audiobook titled The Trump Tapes. This audiobook was released by Woodward in 2022 and features 20 exclusive interviews with Trump conducted from 2016 to 2020.
Trump initially filed the lawsuit in early 2023, claiming Woodward released audio recordings from their interviews without his consent. The former president sought nearly $50 million in damages, alleging that the audio was “protected material” subject to restrictions on use and distribution. However, Judge Gardephe’s ruling indicates that Trump failed to convincingly establish his authorship or copyright interest in the interviews.
In an 81-page ruling, Gardephe granted Woodward’s motion to dismiss the case, stating that Trump “plausibly” could not prove his claims. Following the ruling, Simon & Schuster expressed satisfaction, stating, “We’re very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case.”
This dismissal marks a crucial moment in Trump’s ongoing legal battles and raises questions about his ability to navigate complex copyright laws. The implications of this ruling could resonate beyond the courtroom, affecting Trump’s public image as he continues to engage in high-profile litigation.
As the situation develops, observers are eager to see how Trump’s legal team will respond and whether they can craft a new case that meets the court’s standards. The political ramifications of this case are also significant, as Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
