WASHINGTON (WASHINGTON POST) - A federal judge on Monday (Oct 15) dismissed a lawsuit from adult film actress Stormy Daniels in which she claimed that President Donald Trump defamed her when he suggested her allegation that she was threatened to stay quiet about their relationship was a lie.

Federal District Judge James Otero had suggested during a late September hearing that he was sceptical of Ms Daniels' claim on First Amendment grounds.

The ruling ordered Ms Daniels, whose given name is Ms Stephanie Clifford, to pay Mr Trump's legal fees.

"No amount of spin or commentary by Stormy Daniels or her lawyer, Mr (Michael) Avenatti, can truthfully characterise today's ruling in any way other than total victory for President Trump and total defeat for Stormy Daniels," Trump attorney Charles Harder said in an e-mailed statement.