Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion, accuses it of defamation and partisan bias

US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking $15 billion in damages against The New York Times, multiple reporters, and the publisher Penguin Random House, on grounds of defamation and libel.

The case, lodged in the US District Court for Florida’s Middle District, alleges that certain articles and a book published before the 2024 election misrepresented him, harming his reputation and business interests.

In legal filings, Trump claims the publications—one being Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success—and several articles published by The New York Times contain “malicious, false, defamatory, and disparaging” content, prepared with what he calls “reckless disregard for the truth.”

He argues that this coverage, including opinion/editorial material and book promotion, functioned as a long-term campaign or pattern of defamation against him.

Trump further asserts that the defendants’ actions have caused economic damage, including a decline in value for Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) stock, as well as reputational losses.

The Times, Penguin Random House, and the named reporters have not issued a public response as of the latest reports.

This lawsuit is part of Trump’s broader legal strategy targeting media outlets, following similar defamation suits filed this year against The Wall Street Journal and broadcasters like ABC and CBS.