A federal judge on Friday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, calling it an improper attempt to attack his critics.
U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday ruled that Trump violated federal civil procedure by failing to provide a clear and concise explanation of why he should prevail over the Times, four of its reporters, and the publisher Penguin Random House.
Instead, Merryday said, Trump’s 85-page complaint was filled with self-praise, personal attacks on opponents, and even defenses of his father. “A complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary,” wrote the judge, who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush.
The judge gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint in a professional manner, limited to 40 pages.
Trump’s legal team vows to continue
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said he would continue to pursue the case, promising to follow the court’s guidance while still holding the New York Times, its reporters, and Penguin Random House accountable.
In contrast, a Times spokesperson welcomed the ruling, describing Trump’s lawsuit as a political document rather than a serious legal claim. Penguin Random House declined to comment.
Judge issues rare rebuke to a sitting president
Friday’s order marked a rare judicial rebuke to a sitting president. Trump’s lawsuit targeted three New York Times articles and a book, claiming they defamed him ahead of the 2024 election in an effort to harm his campaign and business reputation.
Judge Merryday stressed that legal complaints must be precise and professional, not used as tools for public relations. He wrote that while lawyers have some leeway in framing a client’s case, Trump’s filing went far beyond acceptable limits.
