Politics

Trump to Sue The New York Times for $15 Billion: What’s Behind the Defamation Claim?

Trump plans to sue The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging defamation and libel.

September 16, 2025, 8:30 AM

The New York Times Building, with its iconic logo on the facade, located near Times Square in New York City. By Matthew Nichols1 / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

President Donald Trump announced his intention to file a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times.

Trump claims the newspaper made false statements about him, his family, and his businesses.

The lawsuit will be filed in Florida, was announced on Truth Social, but specific allegations were not immediately detailed.

The Story So Far

President Donald Trump’s announced lawsuit against The New York Times is based on his claims that the newspaper published false and defamatory statements about him, his family, and his businesses. This legal action is part of a broader, well-documented contentious relationship between Donald Trump and various media outlets.

Why This Matters

Donald Trump’s announced $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, while currently lacking specific public allegations, significantly escalates his ongoing contentious relationship with major media outlets and could set a precedent for future legal challenges against news organizations he perceives as critical.

Who Thinks What?

President Donald Trump intends to file a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the newspaper made false statements about him, his family, and his businesses.

The New York Times’ specific defense or response is not detailed, as Donald Trump has not yet elaborated on the specific allegations or provided examples of the content he deems defamatory or libelous.

President Donald Trump announced Monday his intention to file a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. Trump claims the newspaper made false statements about him, his family, and his businesses.

The announcement was made by Trump in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He specified that the lawsuit would be filed in Florida, though he did not immediately provide further details regarding the legal action.

While Trump accused The New York Times of publishing false statements, he did not elaborate on the specific allegations or provide examples of the content he deems defamatory or libelous.

This planned legal action underscores an ongoing contentious relationship between Donald Trump and various media outlets.