President Donald Trump filed for defamation against The New York Times and four of their reporters on Monday, Sept 15. Trump accused the New York Times for defaming him ahead of the 2024 election, stating that a series of articles were seeking to undermine his candidacy as well as trivializing his otherwise successful businessman reputation. 

The $15 billion defamation lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against some of the Times most prominent reporters: Susanne Craig, Russ Beuttner, Micheal S. Schmidt, and Peter Baker. The lawsuit was targeting articles as well as the book, “The Lucky Loser” written by Susanne Craig and Russ Beuttner and published by Penguin Random House. Its written content includes arguments that advocate for the idea that Trump built his fortune and reputation through fraud. 

Trump stated that the articles and book by the Times own were “specifically designed to try and damage President Trump’s business, personal and political reputation.”

A representative for the Times responded to the lawsuit: “This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting. The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists’ First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people.” 

The complaint pointed out three specific articles that encouraged his argument, of “ a pattern of falsehoods and defamation.” 

The first article was adapted from the book written by Craig and Beuttner, stating that producers of Trump’s tv show “The Apprentice,” helped fuel his rise to presidency. Trump also referred to anecdotes in “Lucky Loser” and from a book by the complaints niece, Mary L. Trump that was found in an article written by Baker in Oct. of 2024. Baker wrote in his article, “how no major party presidential candidate had been accused of wrongdoing so many times.” 

Another article was highlighted by Shmidt, an interview with John F. Kelly, the former U.S. Marine Corps general and a chief of staff during Trump’s first term. The content of the article included Kelly warning that Trump “might rule like a dictator if he were re-elected.” Kelly also shed to light Trump’s previous statement concerning the American soldiers who died on battlefields as “suckers and “losers.” Trump has since then denied said comments. 

The Times is not the only news organization falling victim to Trump’s strong craving for lawsuits. 

“The lawsuit against The Times is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by Mr. Trump against news outlets. He sued over the editing of a report on the CBS News program “60 Minutes,” resulting in a $16 million settlement with the network’s parent company, Paramount, in July. Last year, ABC News agreed to settle a defamation suit brought by Mr. Trump for $15 million, plus $1 million for his legal fees, over remarks made in an interview by the anchor George Stephanopoulos.” writes the New York Times regarding the ongoing lawsuit. 

President Trump has also sued the Wall Street Journal in July, following an article published that stated he had sent a lewd birthday greeting to Jeffery Epstein in 2003.

Following his lawsuit, Trump has not shied away from taking his stance to social media. He has continuously posted statements claiming: “The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!” and  “The ‘Times’ has engaged in a decades-long method of lying about your Favorite President (ME!), my family, business, the America First Movement, MAGA, and our Nation as a whole,” Trump posted.

The lawsuit against the New York Times cited more than a dozen articles regarding Trump dating back from his first term in office. Trump has been open about his stance on the New York Times, and that he was “proud” to hold them accountable for his malicious and false portrayals. He also referred to the success of his previous lawsuits against Paramount and ABC settlements. 

Judge Steven D. Merryday has been appointed for the case, previously appointed by former President George H.W Bush.