September 16, 2025
Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion over critical coverage
Claims "malicious" coverage of classified documents and January 6 reporting
📰Media Literacy⚖️Justice
On September 16, 2025, former President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit in the U.S.
District Court for the Middle District of Florida against The New York Times, four Times reporters, and Penguin Random House.
The 85-page complaint cited three Times articles and a book and alleged the coverage harmed his reputation and his businesses.
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday dismissed the complaint on September 19, 2025 as procedurally improper, calling it ''decidedly improper and impermissible,'' and gave Trump''s lawyers 28 days to file a revised complaint limited to 40 pages.
The judge''s order did not resolve the underlying merits of the defamation allegations.
On September 16, 2025, Trump filed an 85-page, $15 billion defamation complaint in the Middle District of Florida naming The New York Times, four reporters, and Penguin Random House.
The suit cited three New York Times articles and a book about Trump's finances as the allegedly defamatory material.
On September 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday dismissed the complaint for procedural defects and excessive, irrelevant material, calling it 'decidedly improper and impermissible.'
Judge Merryday said the first defamation count did not appear until page 80 of the filing and ordered a refiled complaint within 28 days that must not exceed 40 pages.
The judge dismissed the filing on procedural grounds and did not decide the factual merits of the defamation claims.
Reporting and media groups said press-freedom experts view the case as part of a broader pattern of high-dollar suits that can impose legal costs on news organizations.
📰Media Literacy⚖️Justice
People, bills, and sources
Donald Trump
Plaintiff / Former U.S. President
Judge Steven D. Merryday
U.S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida
What You Can Do
1
civic action
Support state and federal anti-SLAPP reforms
Contact your representatives to back anti-SLAPP measures that allow early dismissal and fee recovery for journalists faced with meritless suits.
2
practicing
Monitor court dockets for the refiled complaint
The judge gave the plaintiff 28 days to refile the suit with a 40-page limit. Court filings will show whether the amended complaint narrows claims or adds new allegations.
3
learning more
Donate to legal defense funds for reporters
Consider contributing to legal-defense organizations that help journalists defend against defamation suits.