UK Court Demands Trump Pay Hefty Legal Bill Over Steele Dossier Lawsuit

The London High Court has ruled against President Donald Trump, ordering him to pay a £626,000 legal bill after his lawsuit against ex-MI6 officer Christopher Steele was dismissed last year.

Quick Takes

The High Court dismissed Trump’s lawsuit against Christopher Steele’s firm, Orbis Business Intelligence, in 2024 regarding allegations made in the controversial Steele dossier.
Trump has now been ordered to pay £625,000 in legal costs as a result of the lawsuit’s failure.
The dossier included allegations of Trump being compromised by Russian operatives and engaging in misconduct.
The court ruled there were “no compelling reasons” for the lawsuit to continue to trial.

The Steele Dossier Saga

President Donald Trump pursued legal action against Christopher Steele, a former MI6 officer, and his company, Orbis Business Intelligence, over the Steele dossier. This document, created before Trump’s 2016 election, alleged that Trump was compromised by Russian operatives. The dossier has been a source of contention, also claiming Trump engaged in inappropriate conduct in Russia. The dossier’s claims contributed to a US special prosecutor’s investigation, which concluded Russian interference in the 2016 election but found no collusion with Trump’s team.

However, High Court Judge Karen Steyn in 2024 ruled the lawsuit “bound to fail” and had “no compelling reasons” to move forward. Now, Judge Jason Rowley has ordered Trump to pay £626,058.98, with daily interest of 12%. This comes after Trump was previously ordered to pay £290,000 in relation to the case and reportedly failed to make that payment.

U.S. President Donald Trump must pay $821,000 legal bill over ‘Steele dossier’ lawsuit, UK court rules https://t.co/9hPeg8fGHY

— CTV News Toronto (@CTVToronto) April 3, 2025

Dossier’s Controversial Claims

The Steele dossier made allegations of inappropriate behavior involving Trump, which Trump denied as “wholly untrue.” These claims were part of a broader narrative suggesting Trump’s compromise by Russian intelligence and President Putin’s support. Orbis argued it was not responsible for publishing the dossier, which Democratic Party consultants initially commissioned before Trump’s election. The lawsuit did not address the truthfulness of these claims but highlighted their impact on Trump’s reputation.

The lawsuit, dismissed due to delay in filing, failed to meet preliminary procedural requirements. Thus, this dismissal underscores legal challenges Trump faces beyond US borders, further complicating his narrative surrounding allegations of Russian interference and personal misconduct outlined in the Steele dossier.

Future Ramifications for Trump

The implications of this ruling resonate with broader issues Trump has faced both legally and reputationally. The ruling exemplifies international legal perspectives, impacting how Trump navigates legal landscapes outside America. As Trump’s legal team contends with this setback, questions linger on the dossier’s long-term effect on his political and public standing.

In conclusion, this court decision underscores the long-lasting impact the Steele dossier has had on Trump’s legal and public affairs.