Washington ( Khyber Point) Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its reporters, accusing the newspaper of publishing biased and fabricated reporting that damaged his reputation, political campaign, and business interests. The case was lodged in the U.S. Federal Court, Middle District of Florida.
According to Trump’s legal team, the lawsuit centers on three investigative articles and a book published during his election campaign, which he claims were designed to tarnish his public image. The complaint also highlights the Times’ editorial board’s endorsement of Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris as evidence of partisan bias.
Trump alleged that the Times misrepresented his family, business operations, and “America First” movement, leading to reputational harm and legal challenges. “The New York Times has for years waged a campaign of character assassination,” Trump said in a statement released by his team.
The New York Times, however, dismissed the lawsuit as baseless, stating that its reporting was grounded in verified facts and carried out in the public interest. The paper argued that the case represents an attempt to intimidate and silence independent journalism, framing it as a direct attack on press freedom.
Legal analysts say the outcome of this case could set a major precedent. If Trump prevails, the decision could expose American media organizations to heightened legal and financial risks, potentially reshaping the boundaries of investigative reporting and political journalism in the United States.
The lawsuit underscores the ongoing friction between Trump and mainstream media outlets, a battle that has defined much of his political career and continues to raise questions about the balance between defamation law and press freedom.
