In a high-profile legal move, U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, four of its journalists, and the publisher Penguin Random House. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on September 15, 2025, accuses the iconic newspaper and its representatives of publishing false and damaging content aimed at tarnishing Trump’s personal and business reputation.
Allegations Behind the Lawsuit
The lawsuit cites multiple articles and a 2024 book published by Penguin Random House that allegedly contain malicious falsehoods and misleading depictions of Trump. It specifically references an editorial prior to the 2024 presidential election that labeled Trump as unqualified to hold office. Trump’s legal team argues that these publications were knowingly false and intended to harm his reputation. Among the focal points is the Times’ coverage of Trump’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump denies and claims are fabricated.
Trump’s Claims of Media Bias
Trump accused The New York Times of being a “virtual mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party and accused the paper of engaging in a decades-long campaign of misinformation against him, his family, and his political movements like America First and Make America Great Again (MAGA). He also criticized the Times for placing a prominent endorsement of Kamala Harris during the 2024 election right on its front page, calling it the largest illegal campaign contribution ever.
Impact on Trump’s Business and Reputation
The lawsuit points to significant financial damages, specifically highlighting the steep decline in stock value of Trump Media Technology Group (TMTG), which Trump claims is directly linked to the defamatory actions of The New York Times. Trump’s attorneys warn that this defamation has also negatively affected his business opportunities and economic future.
Context and Background
This lawsuit is part of a series of legal actions Trump has taken against media organizations over the years, reflecting an ongoing battle against what he describes as biased and defamatory press coverage. Earlier in 2025, Trump filed lawsuits against other major media outlets including ABC News, CBS, and The Wall Street Journal.
New York Times Response
As of now, The New York Times and Penguin Random House have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The case will be closely watched for its broader implications on media freedom, defamation law, and political discourse in the U.S.
This major lawsuit underscores the escalating tensions between Trump and prominent news organizations amidst continuing political and legal controversies.
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