A federal judge in Florida has dismissed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the New York Times. The decision, issued on Friday by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday, directed that the complaint be significantly shortened to adhere to procedural standards.
The suit, which Trump's legal team filed earlier this week, accused the New York Times of publishing falsehoods about the former president's ties and political activities. However, Judge Merryday, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, found the original 85-page filing to be excessive for the two counts of defamation it alleged.
In a succinct four-page order, Merryday criticized the submission for containing unnecessary evidence, protracted arguments, and an abundance of legal citations that rendered it improper. He emphasized that a lawsuit must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which mandate clear and direct pleadings.
The judge further clarified that a complaint is not a platform for political grandstanding or publicity. "A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally or the functional equivalent of the Hyde Park Speakers’ Corner,” Merryday stated in his order.
Although the original filing was struck from the record, the court gave Trump's legal team 28 days to file an amended version, with a strict cap of 40 pages, excluding signatures or attachments.
Responding to the judge's order, a spokesperson for Trump stated that the former president intends to hold the "Fake News" accountable and will proceed with the lawsuit following the court's guidelines. "President Trump will continue to hold the Fake News accountable through this powerhouse lawsuit … in accordance with the judge’s direction on logistics," the spokesperson said.
The lawsuit, which was brought in Tampa federal court, names the New York Times and certain reporters, including Michael Schmidt, as defendants. Trump has accused the newspaper of acting as a "mouthpiece" for the Democratic Party and alleges that its coverage provided then-Vice President Kamala Harris with an unlawful advantage.
In a series of public remarks and on his Truth Social platform, Trump has condemned The Times, claiming it has engaged in a systematic campaign of lies against his presidency, his family, and his political movement. He has compared the case to other legal battles he has pursued against media networks, which he asserts resulted in settlements after exposing false reporting.
The decision to file the lawsuit in Florida, rather than New York, was strategic. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the legal climate in New York and has shown a preference for Florida courts for significant legal actions. Legal analysts suggest that the venue could be influential if the case proceeds, as Florida judges may handle defamation claims differently from their New York counterparts.
Judge Merryday's order ensures that the case, if resubmitted, will proceed under more stringent guidelines, requiring Trump's attorneys to distill their arguments to the essential claims. The outcome of this case, if it moves forward, could have implications for how public figures engage in litigation against news organizations and may impact the ongoing conversation surrounding press freedom and accountability.
