Judge Dismisses trump’s $15 Billion Lawsuit Against The New York Times
New York, NY – A New York judge on Wednesday dismissed former President Donald Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, ruling that the claims of defamation lacked merit and were largely protected by Frist Amendment principles. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleged that the Times had maliciously damaged Trump’s reputation through its reporting on his business dealings and alleged financial improprieties.
The dismissal marks a significant victory for press freedom and underscores the high legal bar for proving defamation against a media association,especially when involving a public figure. Trump had claimed the Times published false and defamatory statements in articles and an opinion piece concerning the valuation of his assets and alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme. The case centered on a 2018 Times article detailing Trump’s father, Fred Trump, and his efforts to minimize tax liabilities, and a subsequent opinion piece by former Times columnist ross Douthat.
Judge Jennifer Schechter, of the New York State Supreme Court, found that the Times’ reporting, even if inaccurate, did not demonstrate “actual malice” - a crucial legal standard requiring proof that the publication knowingly published false statements or acted wiht reckless disregard for the truth. “The plaintiff has failed to meet his burden of proving actual malice,” Schechter wrote in her ruling. “The evidence presented does not establish that the Times knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for their truth.”
Trump’s legal team argued the Times intentionally sought to harm his business and political standing. The former president has a history of litigiousness against media outlets critical of him, and this case represented one of his most considerable legal challenges to news reporting. The New York Times, in a statement, hailed the decision as a “complete victory” and reaffirmed its commitment to independent journalism.
The ruling is not expected to be appealed immediately, though Trump’s lawyers have indicated they are considering all available options.The dismissal reinforces the protections afforded to journalists under the First Amendment and sets a precedent for similar defamation claims brought by public figures.
