Lawyer discards Trump's 15-billion-dollar lawsuit against the New York Times and Penguin Random House
In a significant turn of events, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has dismissed President Donald Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, alleges that The New York Times has become a "leading, and unapologetic, purveyor of falsehoods." The lawsuit names The New York Times and its reporters Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Michael Schmidt as defendants, along with Penguin Random House, the publisher of Craig and Buettner's book "Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success."
The lawsuit argues that a series of articles about Trump, including one about his former chief of staff John Kelly warning the president would rule like a dictator, an article about the making of "The Apprentice," and a report about the controversy that has followed Trump, amounted to libel. Trump's lawyers allege that The New York Times and Penguin Random House sought to damage Trump's reputation and hurt his chances of winning the 2024 election.
However, Judge Merryday threw out the suit because it violates the rules that govern civil lawsuits. The judge deemed the complaint "decidedly improper and impermissible." He gave Trump's lawyers 28 days to refile the lawsuit in a "professional and dignified manner."
The New York Times has responded to the lawsuit, stating that it will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists' First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people. Penguin Random House stands by the book and its authors, upholding the values of the First Amendment. A spokesperson for the company stated that they are confident in the rigor and accuracy of their publishing process.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal, which faced a separate $10 billion lawsuit by Trump in July, has also been defending its reporting. In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Journal owner Dow Jones said they have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of their reporting and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.
Trump has denied the allegations made in the lawsuit, including the claim that he sent a bawdy letter to disgraced financier Jeffery Epstein in 2003, which was included in a book made for Epstein's 50th birthday. The New York Times spokesperson stated that the lawsuit has no merit and is an attempt to stifle independent reporting.
As the legal proceedings continue, both The New York Times and Penguin Random House remain committed to upholding journalistic integrity and the First Amendment rights of their reporters.
