Earlier this week, President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times, accusing the newspaper and four reporters, and the publisher of a book, of essentially covering him negatively.
New “Politics” post on CNBC: Trump’s $15 billion suit against NY Times struck as ‘improper,’ judge allows refiling https://t.co/XlDDcDFqwX
— Beth Getzelmann💯 (@bethgetz) September 19, 2025
Now, at least temporarily, the suit has been tossed out of court on procedural grounds.
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According to CNBC, Judge Steven Merryday has tossed the 85-page suit, calling its length “decidedly improper and impermissible,” although he invited Trump to refile a shorter version of the lawsuit.
Per CNBC, the lawsuit “consumes” 85 pages, only dealing with the Times’ supposed wrongdoing in a few pages near the end, following “many, many pages of fulminating about Trump’s foes and boasting of his business and political accomplishments.” One page lists all of the movies and TV shows Trump has appeared on over the years.
Bush-appointee federal judge throws out whopper of a lawsuit in Florida filed 4 days ago by President Trump against New York Times, criticizes complaint as unprofessional, ‘decidedly improper and impermissible’ https://t.co/hh15pTP1fl pic.twitter.com/BpSnUcy7oz
— Ted Bridis (@tbridis) September 19, 2025
“As every lawyer knows (or is presumed to know), a complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary,” the judge wrote in the ruling. “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.”
The judge, who was appointed by George W. Bush, gave Trump’s lawyers 28 days to refile the suit, and also warned them to make it no longer than 40 pages next time.
“This action will begin, will continue, and will end in accord with the rules of procedure and in a professional and dignified manner,” Judge Merryday said.
The president’s legal team responded in a statement to the media:
“President Trump will continue to hold the Fake News accountable through this powerhouse lawsuit against the New York Times, its reporters, and Penguin Random House, in accordance with the judge’s direction on logistics.”
Unlike with television hosts, the president holds no known regulatory power that would enable him to fire New York Times reporters or otherwise use the levers of government power to strike back at the newspaper. So lawsuits, it would appear, are his next-best bet.
Photo courtesy of the Political Tribune media library.
