Trump Sues The New York Times for $15 Billion, Then Refiles After Dismissal

In September 2025, President Trump filed a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House, along with four Times reporters, over articles and a book examining how he built his fortune and reputation. A federal judge dismissed the initial complaint in September, criticizing its length and rhetoric, and gave Trump time to refile a shorter version. Trump refiled in October 2025, continuing to pursue the case.

Legal experts note that U.S. defamation law requires public figures to prove "actual malice," a high bar that courts have repeatedly used to dismiss similar suits from Trump and allies. Press-freedom advocates say the case matters less for its odds of success than for the burden it places on news organizations, which must spend significant resources defending against it regardless of outcome.

The Times has vowed to fight the suit and says it will continue reporting without being deterred. The litigation is ongoing, with the amended complaint before the court as of late 2025.