Full Breakdown
Trump Expands Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times Over Poll Results
1/23/2026, 8:22:42 AM
Core Event: Lawsuit Expansion Following Unfavorable Polling
President Donald Trump has announced the expansion of his defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, prompted by a recent Siena College poll that reported a 40% approval rating for him. This move comes as Trump expresses dissatisfaction with the poll's findings, which he claims are skewed against him, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Background & Context: Previous Legal Actions Against The Times
Trump's initial defamation lawsuit against The New York Times was filed in September 2025 for $15 billion, alleging that the newspaper published false reports damaging to his reputation and presidential campaign. The lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge due to its "tedious and burdensome" language but was refiled in October 2025. The Times has characterized Trump's legal actions as attempts to intimidate the press and stifle independent reporting.
Key Figures & Groups: Trump and The New York Times
- Donald Trump: 45th President of the United States, who has a history of filing lawsuits against media outlets.
- The New York Times: A major American newspaper, known for its rigorous polling methodology, which Trump claims is biased against him.
Official Statements & Responses
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “The Times Siena Poll, which is always tremendously negative to me... will be added to my lawsuit against The Failing New York Times.” He demanded that the newspaper preserve all records related to the poll's methodology, asserting that it was "heavily skewed toward Democrats." The New York Times responded through spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander, who defended the poll's methodology, stating, “President Trump likes polls that appear favorable to him and dislikes polls that do not.”
Criticism & Opposition: The Times' Defense
The New York Times has labeled Trump's lawsuit as an attempt to suppress journalistic freedom. They argue that the lawsuit lacks merit and fails to adequately demonstrate how the statements made in the articles are false or defamatory. The Times has also pointed out that the poll in question is widely regarded as one of the most accurate in U.S. political surveys.
Data & Statistics: Poll Findings
The New York Times/Siena poll revealed that:
- Trump's approval rating stands at 40%.
- 51% of respondents believe Trump’s policies have made life less affordable.
- A significant majority of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of key issues, including the economy (58% disapproval) and immigration (58% disapproval).
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump's approval rating is reported at 40% in the Siena poll, other polls show varying results, indicating a broader trend of declining support among independent voters. The discrepancy in polling results raises questions about the reliability of different polling methodologies.
What's Next: Legal Proceedings and Political Campaigning
As Trump prepares for the upcoming 2024 election, he is expected to intensify his campaign efforts, including a series of speeches aimed at rallying support. The legal proceedings surrounding his defamation lawsuit against The New York Times will continue, with the potential for significant implications for both Trump and the media landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Times Siena Poll, which is always tremendously negative to me, especially just before the Election of 2024, where I won in a Landslide, will be added to my lawsuit against The Failing New York Times,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “Spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said: “President Trump likes polls that appear favorable to him and dislikes polls that do not.” — Charlie Stadtlander, Spokesperson for The New York Times
- “an attempt to stifle independent reporting” — The New York Times response to Trump's lawsuit.
