Donald Trump Files $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times

On September 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the newspaper has engaged in a "decades-long method of lying" about him, his family, and his businesses. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Florida, specifically targets several articles and a book titled *Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success*, authored by Times journalists Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner. Trump accuses the Times of being a "mouthpiece" for the Democratic Party and alleges that its reporting has caused significant reputational and financial harm.

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The lawsuit follows recent articles by The New York Times that reported on a suggestive note allegedly authored by Trump for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender. Trump has denied writing the note, asserting that it is a fabrication. He has previously faced scrutiny regarding his ties to Epstein, which he claims were severed before Epstein's legal troubles became public in 2006. The lawsuit also references the Times' endorsement of Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election, which Trump describes as an "illegal campaign contribution."

CNBCSky NewsDW NewsRFI (Radio France Internationale)Trump sues the New York Times for defamation and slanderThe Guardian

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his outrage, stating, "The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!" He further characterized the newspaper as "one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the History of our Country." Trump's legal team argues that the Times has shown "reckless disregard" for the truth in its reporting, which they claim is part of a broader pattern of intentional defamation.

The New DailyTrump sues New York Times for USD 15 bn, calls it ‘most degenerate’ newspaperDaily MailTrump to Slap New York Times with $15 Billion Dollar LawsuitThe Telegraph - UKRFI (Radio France Internationale)

This lawsuit is not an isolated incident; Trump has a history of legal actions against media outlets. Earlier in 2025, he filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its owner Rupert Murdoch over similar allegations regarding his ties to Epstein. Additionally, Trump has settled lawsuits against ABC News and CBS for millions of dollars, claiming their reporting was misleading and defamatory.

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The New York Times has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. However, in previous statements regarding Trump's threats of legal action, a spokesperson emphasized their commitment to factual reporting, asserting that their journalists "reported the facts, provided the visual evidence, and printed the president's denial." They reaffirmed their dedication to journalistic integrity and the First Amendment rights of the press.

The Telegraph - UK

Critics of Trump's legal strategy argue that these lawsuits represent an attempt to intimidate the media and stifle free speech. Some media organizations have described Trump's actions as retaliatory, aimed at undermining press freedoms. The ongoing legal battles have raised concerns about the implications for journalistic practices and the ability of the press to hold public figures accountable.

The Guardian

Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times marks another chapter in his contentious relationship with the media. As the case unfolds, it will likely draw significant attention, not only for its potential financial implications but also for its impact on press freedoms and the broader discourse surrounding media accountability in the United States.

The Guardian