Trump's $15B Defamation Lawsuit Against New York Times Tossed Out By Judge

NEW YORK CITY — A federal judge has thrown out President Donald Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and four Times journalists over "spreading false and defamatory content" about him.

Judge Steven Merryday of Florida said the lawsuit was too long and “improper and impermissible.”

“A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally or the functional equivalent of the Hyde Park Speakers’ Corner,” Merryday, wrote in his decision.

In addition, he said his court was not a venue for the president to “rage against an adversary.”

The lawsuit cites several articles and a book published by Penguin Random House and claims that the newspaper and publisher tried to damage the president's reputation ahead of the 2024 election.

"Today, the Times is a full-throated mouthpiece of the Democrat Party. The newspaper's editorial routine is now one of industrial-scale defamation and libel against political opponents," the lawsuit claimed.

Times reporters Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Michael Schmidt are named in the lawsuit with articles about the making of "The Apprentice," and a report about a birthday note from Trump allegedly given to Jeffrey Epstein. The book "Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success" is also cited in documents.

"This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting. The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favour and stand up for journalists’ first amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people," the Times said in a statement on Tuesday.

Merryday has given Trump and his attorneys 28 days to file an amended complaint.

This is a developing story. This post may be updated.