Federal Judge Rejects Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Against The New York Times

TAMPA, Florida — A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, stating that the complaint did not adhere to federal rules for civil filings.

U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday ruled on September 19, 2025, that Trump’s extensive 85-page lawsuit was “decidedly improper and impermissible.” He emphasized that a legal complaint should consist of a “short, plain, direct statement of allegations of fact,” according to Rule 8 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Merryday noted that the judge’s role is not to provide a platform for criticism or public relations. “A complaint is not supposed to be a public forum for vituperation and invective,” he wrote. The judge has granted Trump’s legal team 28 days to revise and resubmit a compliant version of the suit, which cannot exceed 40 pages.

Trump’s lawsuit asserts that The Times acted as a “virtual mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party and included specifics claiming significant damages. The president’s spokesperson announced plans to refile the suit soon and maintain Trump’s stance against what he deems “fake news.”

Critics, including legal experts, had indicated that the lawsuit was more of a publicity stunt than a serious legal pursuit. The New York Times has called the claims baseless, insisting that the lawsuit lacks merit and serves to undermine independent journalism.

Following the judge’s ruling, The Times’ executive editor Joe Kahn remarked that Trump was “wrong on the facts” and “wrong on the law” regarding defamation, vowing to fight the case vigorously.

As the situation unfolds, both sides brace for the next round of legal proceedings.