Bitcoin Surges as Institutional Interest Peaks Amidst Regulatory Calm

A US District Judge dismissed Donald Trump’s lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and Simon & Schuster on July 18, 2025, in the Southern District of New York.

The dismissal highlights the unlikelihood of former US presidents having copyright claims over interviews conducted while in office, reinforcing journalistic rights.

Donald Trump sought $50 million in damages from Woodward and publisher Simon & Schuster, claiming copyright infringement over interviews in the audiobook “The Trump Tapes.” The claim was dismissed by Judge Paul Gardephe.

The lawsuit dismissal has immediate implications for journalistic freedoms regarding presidential interviews. Bob Woodward released both a book and an audiobook using Trump’s interviews, claiming no US president has previously attempted such copyright claims. Simon & Schuster stated, “We’re very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case.”

Following this ruling, the market sees no impact on cryptocurrencies or related assets, as this remains a copyright issue. Simon & Schuster’s previous sale to KKR in 2023 remains unaffected by the case result.

This case sets a legal precedent regarding copyright claims for materials from presidential interviews, impacting how journalists handle public official content. Judicial conclusions favor media freedom, asserting that historical norms remain intact, as provided by past precedents.

Regulatory clarification indicates no significant changes in current financial or digital markets. This underscores continuity in regulatory positions on non-digital asset-related judicial decisions.