US President Donald Trump has refiled a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, according to court documents. This move comes weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial lawsuit. The new filing, submitted in Florida, is significantly shorter than the original, spanning 40 pages compared to the initial 85-page document.
The lawsuit targets “false, defamatory, and malicious publications” by The New York Times, specifically highlighting a book and two articles published by the newspaper. The defendants include the newspaper itself, three of its reporters, and the publisher Penguin Random House. The lawsuit claims that these publications made defamatory statements against Trump “with actual malice,” damaging his professional reputation.
Trump has been vocal about his discontent with the media, and this lawsuit is one of several attacks he has launched against news organizations he accuses of bias. The president has a history of restricting access to media outlets, publicly criticizing journalists, and filing lawsuits seeking substantial compensation.
In recent months, Trump has sued media magnate Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for at least $10 billion over a report on a book and letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Paramount settled a lawsuit with Trump over election coverage on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” for $16 million.
The New York Times lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of not less than $15 billion, as well as punitive damages to be determined during the trial. The court’s decision on this matter will be closely watched, given the significant implications for freedom of the press and the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the media.
This development is the latest in a series of legal battles between Trump and major media outlets, highlighting the complex and often contentious relationship between the president and the press. As the case progresses, it will be important to monitor the court’s rulings and the potential impact on the media landscape.