Judge tosses Trump’s $15B lawsuit against New York Times

REUTERS/KYLIE COOPER

The New York Times building in Manhattan, New York City, on Sep. 16. A federal judge today struck Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times over its content, calling it a “decidedly improper” effort to attack an adversary.

A federal judge today struck Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times over its content, calling it a “decidedly improper” effort to attack an adversary.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday in Tampa, Florida, said Trump’s complaint violated a federal civil procedure rule requiring a short and plain statement of why he should prevail.

A complaint should “fairly, precisely, directly, soberly, and economically inform the defendants … of the nature and content of the claims,” Merryday wrote. “A complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective — not a protected platform to rage against an adversary.”

Merryday gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint of no more than 40 pages. The White House and Trump’s lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

See more:National newsPolitics

71 Comments
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.
Please log in to comment