A federal court in Florida has thrown out former U.S. President Donald Trump’s high-profile $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, ruling that the complaint failed to meet basic legal standards.

Case Background

Trump filed the case in Tampa earlier this week, targeting The New York Times, Penguin Random House, and journalists Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig. The suit accused them of defaming him in a series of articles and a book that examined his finances, his public image, and his rise to prominence through The Apprentice.

The Judge’s Decision

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday dismissed the 85-page complaint, describing it as “improper and impermissible.” The judge said the filing was excessively long, packed with irrelevant commentary, and lacked the concise and direct statements required under federal civil procedure.

Instead of focusing on specific defamation claims, the complaint mixed legal allegations with political rhetoric, making it unsuitable for the court.

Next Steps

Although the case was dismissed, the door remains open for Trump to try again. Judge Merryday gave his lawyers 28 days to resubmit a revised complaint. The new filing must:

• Be limited to 40 pages

• Present claims clearly, directly, and within the scope of the law

The New York Times welcomed the dismissal, saying the original suit was “legally baseless.” Trump’s legal team has signaled they plan to refile in accordance with the judge’s instructions.

Broader Implications

For public figures like Trump, defamation cases face an especially high legal bar: they must prove not just falsehood, but also “actual malice.” Legal analysts note that this decision reinforces the principle that U.S. courts will not entertain lengthy political manifestos disguised as lawsuits.

The ruling is also being viewed as a moment of reassurance for press freedom. Critics of the lawsuit see it as part of a broader campaign to challenge major media outlets, while free press advocates argue that the judge’s decision underscores the importance of strong procedural safeguards to protect journalism.