On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to file a staggering $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, citing allegations of defamation and libel. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump accused the newspaper of acting as a "mouthpiece" for the Democratic Party, claiming that it has consistently published false statements about him, his family, and his business interests.
While Trump did not provide specific details regarding the allegations in his lawsuit, he expressed his frustration with what he perceives as biased reporting from the Times. He stated that the newspaper has a history of disseminating misinformation that targets him, asserting that such practices must come to an end. "The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!" Trump declared in his post.
Trump indicated that this defamation lawsuit would be filed in the state of Florida, although he did not disclose further details regarding the legal proceedings. This move follows a recent threat made by Trump to take legal action against the Times over its reporting on a controversial note linked to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The note, which allegedly featured Trump's signature, has been a point of contention, with the White House denying any involvement by Trump and labeling the report as a fabrication.
In addition to the lawsuit against The New York Times, Trump also referenced his ongoing legal battles with ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos, as well as Paramount over their 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. These legal actions reflect Trump's broader strategy of confronting media outlets that he believes misrepresent his actions and statements.
The New York Times has yet to respond to requests for comments from CNBC regarding Trump's lawsuit. As this story develops, it raises important questions about the intersection of media, politics, and the legal system in the ongoing discourse surrounding public figures and their representation in the press.
