Trump sues The New York Times for $15 billion over defamation

US President Donald Trump has launched a bombshell legal attack against one of America’s most iconic newspapers.

Trump is suing The New York Times for $15 billion, accusing the paper of relentlessly pushing false stories about him, his family, and his business empire.

Calling the Times a “mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party, Trump says their coverage has gone from biased reporting to outright defamation.

The lawsuit, filed in Florida, claims the newspaper’s actions have caused enormous damage to his reputation and political causes like “America First” and “MAGA.”

With a price tag far exceeding the Times’ market value, this case promises to be one of the most high-stakes media battles in recent memory.

A high-stakes legal blow

Trump didn’t hold back in his announcement, calling The New York Times "one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers" in American history.

He slammed the paper as a "mouthpiece" for Democrats, particularly angered by its 2024 endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.

In his view, that endorsement was "the single largest illegal campaign contribution, EVER," fueling his decision to go after the publication in court.

This lawsuit isn’t just about hurt feelings. Trump claims the Times has consistently published false stories about him, his family, and his businesses, damaging his reputation and legacy.

The US President is positioning the case as another front in his war against “fake news” media, a fight he’s waged for years.

What makes this lawsuit especially striking is its sheer size.

The $15 billion figure far exceeds The New York Times Company’s current market value, making this one of the largest defamation suits ever filed against a media organization.

What’s behind Donald Trump's lawsuit?

The complaint centers on what Trump calls “baseless and malicious reporting,” including stories tied to his connection with financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump and his allies argue that some of the Times’ claims, such as a key note allegedly signed by Trump and related to Epstein, amount to lies meant to tarnish his name.

Legal analysts note that defamation suits involving public figures like Trump are notoriously hard to win.

Plaintiffs must prove not only that false information was published but that it was done with reckless disregard for the truth, a high bar in US courts.

Trump chose to file the case in Florida, which could offer a legal edge given its recent reforms and court landscape. However, questions remain about jurisdiction since The New York Times is based in New York.

The Times has yet to issue a public response. This showdown is likely to bring more heated debate about the role of the press in holding public figures accountable and about the limits of free speech and responsible journalism.

As this case unfolds, it will be one to watch. At the center is a former president determined to fight back hard, with both words and the law.