On Monday, President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York
Times and some of its reporters, describing the newspaper “a full-throated mouthpiece of the
Democratic Party.” In a Truth Social post, he alleges that the company intentionally lied about him, his
family, his business, his movement, and the nation at large.
The suit cites a book published by Times reporters alleging that Trump engaged in fraud. It also cites an
interview with his former chief of staff John F. Kelly, who described Trump as fascist. And, it includes
an article claiming that producer Mark Burnett was responsible for the success of The Apprentice.
In response, the New York Times declared the lawsuit was meritless and merely an intimidation tactic,
stating, “It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage
independent reporting.” (New York Times)
This is the next in a long line of cases filed by the president against news agencies. ABC and CBS have
settled their own suits out of court, while The Wall Street Journal is still planning on fighting the case.
As for the largest newspaper in modern America? Only the Times will tell.
