September 16, 2025
Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion over critical coverage
Claims "malicious" coverage of classified documents and January 6 reporting
š°Media LiteracyāļøJustice
On September 16, 2025, Trump filed an 85-page, $15 billion defamation complaint in the Middle District of Florida naming The New York Times, four reporters, and Penguin Random House.
The suit cited three New York Times articles and a book about Trump's finances as the allegedly defamatory material.
On September 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday dismissed the complaint for procedural defects and excessive, irrelevant material, calling it 'decidedly improper and impermissible.'
Judge Merryday said the first defamation count did not appear until page 80 of the filing and ordered a refiled complaint within 28 days that must not exceed 40 pages.
The judge dismissed the filing on procedural grounds and did not decide the factual merits of the defamation claims.
Reporting and media groups said press-freedom experts view the case as part of a broader pattern of high-dollar suits that can impose legal costs on news organizations.
š°Media LiteracyāļøJustice
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
TRUE or FALSE: The New York Times has agreed to settle former President Donald Trump"s $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed on September 16, 2025.
Q2
On September 16, 2025, how much did former President Donald Trump seek in damages in his defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House?
Q3
TRUE or FALSE: Judge Steven Merryday completely dismissed Trump's lawsuit with no chance to refile.
Q4
TRUE or FALSE: In July 2025, Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, News Corp, Rupert Murdoch, and two WSJ reporters over allegations they published a false letter supposedly written by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
Q5
Where did Judge Merryday say the first defamation count appeared in Trump's complaint?
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Donald Trump
Plaintiff / Former U.S. President
Judge Steven D. Merryday
U.S. District Judge, Middle District of Florida