Trump Files $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against New York Times

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times on Tuesday, accusing the newspaper of acting as a “mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party and making an illegal “campaign contribution” to Kamala Harris through its 2024 endorsement. The suit, announced late Monday on Truth Social, was filed in the U.S. District Court for Florida’s Middle District.

The lawsuit names the New York Times Company, reporters Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, and Michael S. Schmidt, and Penguin Random House, publisher of “Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success” by Craig and Buettner. Trump alleges the Times engaged in a decadeslong campaign of “lying” about him, his business, family, and the MAGA movement, calling its Harris endorsement “deranged” and the book defamatory.

“Today, I have the Great Honor of bringing a $15 Billion Dollar Defamation and Libel Lawsuit against The New York Times, one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the History of our Country,” Trump wrote. “Their Endorsement of Kamala Harris was actually put dead center on the front page of The New York Times, something heretofore UNHEARD OF!”

The New York Times called the lawsuit meritless, stating, “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 85-page suit claims Trump overcame “persistent election interference from the legacy media,” led by the Times, and praises his “decades of magnificent real estate achievements” and his role as a television trailblazer on “The Apprentice.” It argues the Times’ coverage and endorsement constituted an illegal campaign contribution.

The Times endorsed Harris in 2024, consistent with its editorial board’s left-leaning history, having not backed a Republican for president since 1956. The endorsement criticized Trump as “morally unfit” for office rather than focusing on Harris’ qualifications. A 2023 lawsuit by Trump against the Times over its reporting on his finances and tax practices was dismissed.

The lawsuit follows Trump’s recent legal victories, including eight-figure settlements with ABC News and CBS News. In December 2024, ABC paid $15 million to a future Trump presidential museum or foundation to settle a defamation suit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ inaccurate statements. In July 2025, CBS parent company Paramount settled a lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview with Harris, with payments potentially reaching $30 million.