President Donald Trump’s $15 Billion Defamation Suit Against New York Times Dismissed – 19 Sept 2025

President Donald Trump’s $15 Billion Lawsuit Against New York Times Dismissed by Federal Judge

On 19 September 2025, a federal judge in Florida dismissed President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, ruling that the filing failed to meet U.S. federal pleading standards.

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday found Trump’s complaint—an 85-page filing—to be overly long, unclear, and non-compliant with Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which require a “short and plain statement” of claims.

The judge granted Trump’s legal team 28 days to submit a revised complaint of no more than 40 pages if they choose to continue the case.

Trump alleged that The New York Times intentionally published false and damaging information about his business dealings and taxes, claiming the paper acted with “actual malice.”

The judge ruled that the complaint lacked the necessary specific facts to prove that standard, which U.S. law requires for public figures pursuing defamation claims.

In a statement, The New York Times hailed the ruling as “a victory for press freedom,” emphasizing that its reporting was based on careful investigation and public interest.

Trump’s attorneys said they are reviewing the decision and considering an appeal, but no formal notice of appeal has been filed.

Legal experts note that public figures face a high bar in defamation cases, needing to demonstrate that journalists knowingly published falsehoods or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The dismissal highlights the strong First Amendment protections enjoyed by U.S. media outlets.

The case underscores the continuing tension between Trump and major news organizations as he remains a dominant political figure while serving his second and final presidential term.

Should his legal team refile the complaint within the 28-day window, the court will re-evaluate whether any revised claims meet federal requirements.