‎Trump's $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times Dismissed by Federal Judge

By: Shawn
‎President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its reporters has been dismissed by a federal judge. The case accused the newspaper and journalists of undermining his 2024 presidential candidacy.
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A federal judge dismissed Trump’s $15B defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, calling the 85-page complaint improper and excessive.
‎Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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‎U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday ruled on Friday that the complaint was “decidedly improper and impermissible.” The court criticized Trump’s legal team for including unnecessary arguments, excessive evidence, and political commentary in the 85-page filing.
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‎A large portion of the lawsuit highlighted Trump’s achievements in real estate, television, and politics, including references to his ratings on The Apprentice, images of Trump Tower, and promotional materials. The filing also accused the “legacy media” of acting as a political tool for Democrats.
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‎Judge Merryday, appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, emphasized that a legal complaint is not a platform for personal attacks or political speech. He stated that such documents must present clear legal claims, not serve as “a megaphone for public relations” or “a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally.”
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‎The court did not evaluate the merits of Trump’s defamation claims but ruled that his lawyers may refile a complaint limited to 40 pages.
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‎The reporters named in the lawsuit are Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner, co-authors of Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success, along with Washington correspondent Michael S. Schmidt and White House correspondent Peter Baker.
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‎Filed by attorney Alejandro Brito, the lawsuit sought at least $15 billion in damages and alleged that the Times and its reporters defamed Trump in their coverage.

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