Trump Sues The New York Times In $15B Defamation Lawsuit: What We Know

NEW YORK CITY — President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and four Times journalists over "spreading false and defamatory content" about him.

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 claims.

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.

Penguin Random House has not commented on the lawsuit yet.

In July, Trump also filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over its reporting that the president sent Epstein a letter that was part of a book made for his 50th birthday.