The New York Times faces a $15 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump.
In a move that marks the latest in a series of legal battles against media outlets, US President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit in Florida against The New York Times Co., Penguin Random House, and four journalists from the newspaper. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants published articles and a book with 'actual malice' towards Trump, his family, and his business interests.
The lawsuit, entrusted to Judge Steven D. Merryday, appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, accuses the defendants of spreading false and defamatory content about Trump. The matter revolves around several articles published by The New York Times during Trump's first term and a book by Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner.
The book is accused of falsely claiming that Mark Burnett, a television producer, discovered Trump and made him a celebrity on the reality TV show, The Apprentice. Trump has denied making such comments. The lawsuit also mentions an article published in October 2021 by Michael S. Schmidt, based on interviews with John F. Kelly. In this article, Kelly warned that Trump could govern like a dictator if re-elected and confirmed earlier reports about Trump referring to American soldiers killed in combat as 'suckers' and 'losers.'
Trump is seeking at least $15 billion in damages, claiming that the articles and book have caused 'substantial' economic losses to his 'professional and commercial interests.' The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants timed the publication of the articles and books 'to cause maximum electoral harm to President Trump.'
The New York Times has responded that the lawsuit is baseless and an attempt to intimidate independent journalism. The lawsuit does not relate to any articles about messages or drawings sent to Jeffrey Epstein.
The lawsuit filed on Monday takes issue with the book by Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner multiple times. The articles and book are claimed to have portrayed Trump in a malicious and false manner, undermining public confidence in him, and discrediting his achievements.
This is not the first time Trump has sued The New York Times. In 2021, he sued the newspaper over articles investigating his finances and tax records, and in 2020 over an opinion piece. Both lawsuits were dismissed.
The lawsuit names The New York Times Co., Penguin Random House, Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, Michael S. Schmidt, and Peter Baker as defendants.
