September 16, 2025
Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion over critical coverage
Claims "malicious" coverage of classified documents and January 6 reporting
š°Media LiteracyāļøJustice
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.
š°Media LiteracyāļøJustice
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
TRUE or FALSE: The New York Times has agreed to settle former President Donald Trump"s $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed on September 16, 2025.
Q2
On September 16, 2025, how much did former President Donald Trump seek in damages in his defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House?
Q3
On September 19, 2025, what maximum page limit did U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday set for the amended complaint in Donald Trumpās $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times?
Q4
In his September 16, 2025 defamation lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, which book did Donald Trump claim defamed him?
Q5
How much did ABC/Disney pay to settle Trump's defamation suit?
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Donald Trump
Plaintiff / Former U.S. President
Judge Steven D. Merryday
U.S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida