Trump Sues The New York Times for $15 Billion Over Defamation Claims

President Trump is seeking $15 billion from The New York Times in a new defamation lawsuit, alleging that the newspaper and four of its reporters harmed his business and personal reputation through several stories and a book. The reported $15 billion figure is steep, but it's not the first time Trump has filed a high-stakes lawsuit, having initially sued CBS for $10 billion and later doubling it to $20 billion. The New York Times and Penguin Random House, publisher of the book, say the case is without merit and intend to fight it vigorously.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump is suing The New York Times for $15 billion, alleging defamation over several stories and a book that portrayed him unfavorably.
• The case is based on an interview with former Chief of Staff John Kelly, who called Trump a fascist, and reports on Trump's business background, which suggested he engaged in fraud and deception.
• The New York Times and Penguin Random House say the case is without merit and intend to fight it vigorously.
• A legal expert notes that Trump faces a high legal bar to successfully pursue a defamation case, requiring the claim to be demonstrably false and something that reflects badly on him.
• Trump's aides have already threatened to "venerate" left-wing foes, indicating a pattern of seeking to control events and narratives.
• Trump's lawsuit is one of several efforts to intimidate the press, including targeting broadcast networks with regulatory investigations.

Statistics:

• $15 billion: The amount Trump is seeking from The New York Times in the defamation lawsuit.
• $10 billion: The initial amount Trump sued CBS for in a 2013 defamation lawsuit.
• $20 billion: The doubled amount Trump sued CBS for in the same 2013 defamation lawsuit.
• 1964: The year the Supreme Court codified its understanding of the First Amendment, allowing for spaces for the press to hold power to account.

Sources:

• "The New York Times Sued by Trump for $15 Billion in Defamation Lawsuit"
• NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik's interview with Ari Shapiro
• Penguin Random House, publisher of the book in question