Trump Files $15 Billion Lawsuit Against New York Times, Calls Paper 'Mouthpiece for Democrats'

President Donald Trump has filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the paper of acting as a "virtual mouthpiece" for Democrats and engaging in a "decades long method of lying" about him, his family, and his businesses.

In a Truth Social post announcing the lawsuit, Trump wrote:

"Today, I have the Great Honor of bringing a $15 Billion Dollar Defamation and Libel Lawsuit against The New York Times, one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the History of our Country, becoming a virtual 'mouthpiece' for the Radical Left Democrat Party. I view it as the single largest illegal Campaign contribution, EVER." He also cited the Times' endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 as evidence of bias, calling it "something heretofore UNHEARD OF!"

"The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!" Trump continued. He tied the filing to previous settlements with ABC News and CBS News, which he described as "successful litigation" over false reporting. Both networks agreed to multimillion-dollar payouts in recent months to resolve lawsuits brought by Trump.

Trump's post echoed language in the 85-page filing reported by CNN, which also names Penguin Random House and four Times reporters, including two who co-authored "Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success." The suit, set to be filed in Florida federal court, demands damages greater than the entire market capitalization of The New York Times Company.

Legal experts consulted by CNN, however, stressed the challenge Trump faces in proving defamation. Public figures must show "actual malice," meaning that the defendants knew a statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for its truth. The Times has repeatedly rebuffed Trump's threats of litigation and did not immediately respond to the filing.

Hours before the lawsuit was revealed, Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned against what he called an "anti-press playbook" in which leaders "exploit the civil courts to impose financial pressure" and "punish independent journalists."