Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 16: US President Donald Trump has launched a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of conducting a "decades-long campaign of lies" targeting him, his family, and his political movement. The announcement was made via Trump's Truth Social platform on Monday evening (U.S. time).
In his statement, Trump claimed that the publication has become a “virtual mouthpiece for the radical Left Democrat Party” and declared that enough is enough.
“I have the great honor of bringing a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the history of our country,” he wrote.
The lawsuit, which Trump says will be filed in Florida, is the latest in a series of legal moves by the former president targeting what he often labels as "Fake News" outlets. He accused the Times of systematically smearing his presidency, business empire, and the ‘America First’ movement, claiming their coverage amounts to political sabotage.
Trump also cited the Times’ past support of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly its front-page coverage, which he characterized as "the single largest illegal campaign contribution ever" — alleging media bias disguised as journalism.
Reiterating claims he's made for years, Trump said that the Times had continuously lied about him and manipulated narratives to damage his public image.
“They've lied about your favorite President (me!), about my family, my businesses, the MAGA movement, and our country,” he said. “This is both unacceptable and illegal.”
The president also referenced previous legal settlements with major broadcasters. He cited a $15 million settlement from ABC News and another $16 million from CBS/Paramount, both reportedly related to previous defamation claims involving coverage of civil lawsuits and political interviews. According to Trump, these settlements have been directed toward the development of the Trump Presidential Library.
In his latest salvo, Trump grouped The New York Times with networks like ABC and CBS, accusing all of engaging in what he called “a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration” — which, he says, amounts to malicious defamation.
“The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops now,” Trump declared.
As of now, The New York Times has not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
The legal battle adds to Trump's growing list of confrontations with U.S. media giants as he positions himself as both a political candidate and media adversary ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.