President Donald Trump has taken direct aim at The New York Times, filing a major federal lawsuit accusing the paper of “malicious defamation” in what he calls a decades-long smear campaign against him, his family, and the America First movement.
The lawsuit, filed late Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, names The New York Times and four of its reporters. It focuses on a series of articles and a book published before the 2024 presidential election, which Trump’s legal team says were designed to mislead voters and damage his reputation.
Trump’s Legal Team: Media Lies Exposed
According to court documents, Trump’s attorneys argue that the Times “recklessly disregarded the truth”, deliberately twisting facts to falsely portray the former president’s business success.
“The book and articles contained numerous false and damaging statements about President Trump,” the filing states. “His wealth was built on sharp business skills, innovation, persistence, and dedication — not, as falsely alleged, through chance, corruption, or reliance on government handouts.”
This latest move shows Trump is fighting back harder than ever against what he has repeatedly called “fake news” and mainstream media corruption.
Trump: NYT is a ‘Mouthpiece for the Radical Left’
In a fiery Truth Social post Monday night, Trump blasted The New York Times as “one of the worst and most corrupt newspapers in American history.”
“For decades, they’ve lied about me, my family, the MAGA movement, and our country,” Trump wrote. “The Times has become nothing more than a mouthpiece for the Radical Left Democrat Party.”
This bold statement reflects Trump’s long-standing message to his base: the fight isn’t just political — it’s about protecting truth and freedom in America.
The Times Fires Back
The Times responded almost immediately, dismissing Trump’s lawsuit as “baseless” and attempting to frame it as a threat to journalism.
“This case has no merit,” a Times spokesperson told The Hill. “We will not be intimidated and will continue to report the facts without fear or favor.”
The newspaper insists its reporting is protected under the First Amendment, setting up a potential high-stakes legal showdown that could reshape how the press covers public figures.
Not Trump’s First Battle With Fake News
This isn’t Trump’s only recent clash with the media. Just weeks ago, he filed a separate lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, its reporters, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over a report involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The latest actions send a clear message: Trump is ready to hold powerful media outlets accountable — a move that resonates deeply with his supporters who have long accused the press of covering up corruption while attacking conservatives.
Why This Matters for America
- Media Accountability: This lawsuit could set a precedent for holding mainstream outlets responsible for spreading misinformation.
- Free Speech vs. Fake News: The case highlights the delicate balance between free press rights and intentional character assassination.
- Election Impact: With Trump’s re-election campaign in full swing, the timing of this legal fight could influence 2026 midterms and beyond.
Final Thoughts
This fight isn’t just about Donald Trump — it’s about protecting the truth, defending free speech, and ending decades of media corruption.
Trump’s bold legal strategy sends a clear warning to the press: America First will not be silenced.