US Judge Dismisses Trump's $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times

US Judge Tosses Trump's $15 Billion New York Times Lawsuit A US federal judge on Friday dismissed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the New York Times, citing "tedious and burdensome" language in the complaint. The suit was part of a growing trend of legal actions from Trump targeting media organizations he claims are biased against him. According to court documents, US District Judge Steven Merryday ruled that Trump's 85-page lawsuit was an improper attempt to attack his political adversaries. Merryday wrote, "A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally." The judge gave lawyers 28 days to file an amended complaint. The New York Times called the dismissal a victory for press freedom and free speech. "This decision affirms that the First Amendment protects journalists from baseless lawsuits designed to intimidate and silence them," said a spokesperson for the newspaper in a statement. Trump's lawsuit alleged three articles and a book by two reporters attempted to undermine his 2024 presidential campaign. The suit claimed the reporting was defamatory and damaged Trump's reputation. The dismissal of the lawsuit is seen as a setback for Trump, who has been increasingly critical of media outlets he perceives as biased against him. In recent months, Trump has filed several lawsuits against news organizations, including CNN and the Washington Post. "This decision is a victory for the First Amendment and a rebuke to President Trump's attempts to use the courts to silence his critics," said Jonathan Peters, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law who specializes in media law. "The judge's ruling makes it clear that public officials cannot use the courts as a tool to intimidate or harass journalists." The dismissal of the lawsuit does not necessarily mean Trump will drop his claims against the New York Times. Lawyers for Trump have 28 days to file an amended complaint, and the case may still proceed. In related news, the New York Times has called Trump's legal action an "attempt to stifle independent reporting." The newspaper has been a frequent target of criticism from Trump, who has accused it of being biased against him. The dismissal of the lawsuit is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over press freedom and the role of media in American society. As one observer noted, "This decision sends a clear message that journalists have the right to report on public officials without fear of reprisal or intimidation." Background: Trump filed the lawsuit against the New York Times in a Florida court on Monday. The suit alleged three articles and a book by two reporters attempted to undermine his 2024 presidential campaign. The case is part of a growing trend of legal actions from Trump targeting media organizations he claims are biased against him. Additional perspectives: Jonathan Peters, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law who specializes in media law: "This decision is a victory for the First Amendment and a rebuke to President Trump's attempts to use the courts to silence his critics." A spokesperson for the New York Times: "This decision affirms that the First Amendment protects journalists from baseless lawsuits designed to intimidate and silence them." Current status: The judge gave lawyers 28 days to file an amended complaint. The case may still proceed, but the dismissal of the lawsuit is seen as a significant setback for Trump. *Reporting by Dw.*