Judge Dismisses Trump's Defamation Suit Against The New York Times

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:49:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times lacks legal merit and failed to meet court standards.

In a significant ruling, US District Judge Steven Merryday dismissed Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, labeling it 'superfluous' and poorly constructed. The judge criticized Trump's complaint for violating federal guidelines and failing to present legitimate legal claims. The ruling, which follows Trump's statement of intent to sue, comes amid ongoing tensions between the former president and various media outlets.

A US federal judge has struck down Donald Trump's $15bn defamation lawsuit against the New York Times newspaper, citing issues with its contents.

US District Judge Steven Merryday in his ruling on Friday stated that Trump had violated a federal rule requiring applicants to outline in a 'short and plain statement' why they deserve relief from the court.

The judge asserted that a legal complaint is not 'a protected platform to rage against an adversary' and gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint.

Trump signaled he would sue the New York Times earlier this week in a post on Truth Social, claiming the newspaper has been 'allowed to freely lie, smear and defame me for far too long.'

A spokesperson for President Trump indicated that he 'will continue to hold the Fake News accountable through this powerhouse lawsuit against the New York Times,' adding that his legal team will file an amended version to meet the judge's directives.

The New York Times welcomed the judge's ruling, asserting it recognized the complaint as a political document rather than a serious legal filing. The paper characterized the lawsuit as lacking merit and an attempt to stifle independent reporting.

Judge Merryday characterized Trump's lawsuit as 'repetitive' and 'superfluous,' containing 'florid' allegations. He expressed that even if the allegations were proven true and the lawsuit interpreted generously, its presentation violates court rules.

Trump's 85-page lawsuit filed in federal court in Tampa also named Penguin Random House LLC, claiming the Times acted as a 'mouthpiece' for Democrats. Judge Merryday emphasized that the lawsuit was 'decidedly improper and impermissible.'

Neither Trump nor his legal team has yet responded to the judge's decision. This legal action comes amid criticisms against the Trump administration concerning a crackdown on media unsympathetic to the president's agenda.

On Thursday, Trump suggested that certain TV networks should have their broadcast licenses 'taken away' following ABC's suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, which occurred mere hours after threats from Trump's administration regarding Kimmel's earlier comments.