US judge dismisses Trump’s $15bn lawsuit against New York Times

NEW YORK: A US federal judge on Friday dismissed President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, calling it a “decidedly improper and impermissible” attempt to target his critics.

Trump had sued the Times, four of its journalists, and publisher Penguin Random House, alleging defamation and reputational damage.

US District Judge Steven Merryday said Trump’s 85-page complaint violated federal civil procedure rules by failing to provide a concise legal argument, instead filling it with self-praise, attacks on critics, and even defenses of his father.

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“A complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary,” wrote Merryday, a Republican appointee. He gave Trump 28 days to refile a complaint “in a professional and dignified manner” not exceeding 40 pages.

TRUMP TO REFILE SUIT

A Trump legal spokesperson said that “President Trump will continue to hold the Fake News accountable through this powerhouse lawsuit against the New York Times, its reporters, and Penguin Random House, in accordance with the judge’s direction on logistics.”

A New York Times spokesperson welcomed the ruling, saying it confirmed the lawsuit was “a political document rather than a serious legal filing.” Penguin Random House declined immediate comment.

‘NOT A PR MEGAPHONE’

Trump sued over three Times articles and a book by two of its reporters, accusing them of seeking to damage his 2024 presidential campaign.

In his order, Merryday said plaintiffs must “fairly, precisely, directly, soberly, and economically” explain their claims, adding: “A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations.”