Donald Trump has launched a legal battle against The New York Times by filing a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit. He accuses the newspaper of running a campaign to damage his reputation with false and harmful statements.
Trump’s lawyers argue that The New York Times published articles that misrepresent his actions, intentions, and statements, causing him financial and reputational harm. The lawsuit reflects Trump’s conflict with media outlets, which he criticizes as biased and misleading.
The New York Times has not responded in detail but is expected to defend its reporting, standing by its journalistic integrity.
Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures like Trump require proving “actual malice” — that the publisher knowingly spread false information or acted recklessly, a legal standard set by a 1964 Supreme Court ruling.
The lawsuit carries implications. A victory for Trump could bolster his claims of media bias, while a win for The New York Times could reinforce protections for press freedom and journalistic reporting.