Donald Trump Refiles His Massive $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against the New York Times and Penguin Random House — A Slimmer, Sharper Complaint After Judge Calls First Filing “Improper”
Former President Donald Trump has refiled his massive $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House, a month after a federal judge dismissed his initial filing for being overly long and “improper.” The new version — a 40-page complaint compared to the original 85 pages — was submitted in a Florida federal court this week, signaling Trump’s determination to continue his fight against what he calls “a coordinated campaign of lies” aimed at damaging his reputation.
The lawsuit targets the Times, Penguin Random House, and several journalists including Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, and Peter Baker. Trump accuses them of publishing false and malicious statements that misrepresented his business history, his media image, and his success as an entrepreneur. He claims these publications intentionally portrayed him as a “manufactured celebrity” rather than a legitimate businessman, particularly through reporting tied to the book Lucky Loser, which was released under Penguin’s portfolio.
U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday dismissed Trump’s original lawsuit in September, calling it “a political manifesto disguised as a complaint.” He instructed Trump’s legal team to trim the content and focus on clear factual and legal arguments. The judge also warned that further attempts to use the court as a platform for political speech would not be tolerated. Trump’s legal team complied by submitting the reworked version, which cuts out colorful language but maintains the central defamation claims and the full $15 billion demand in damages.
According to the refiling, Trump’s lawyers argue that both The New York Times and Penguin Random House knowingly published false information that painted an inaccurate picture of his finances and public persona. The complaint alleges that the publications “acted with actual malice” — the high legal standard required for public figures to prove defamation — by ignoring verified evidence and relying on what Trump’s attorneys describe as politically motivated sources.
The Times has already responded, calling the lawsuit “baseless and politically driven.” A spokesperson said the paper “stands by its reporting” and accused Trump of attempting to silence the press. Penguin Random House declined to comment on ongoing litigation but reiterated its commitment to freedom of expression.
Legal analysts note that Trump faces a steep uphill climb. Defamation cases involving public figures are notoriously difficult to win, and courts have historically sided with media outlets under First Amendment protections. However, others argue that Trump’s new filing appears more strategically constructed and narrowly focused, which could improve its odds of surviving an early dismissal.
This is not Trump’s first clash with major media outlets. He has previously filed suits against CNN, MSNBC, and other networks, positioning himself as a defender of truth against what he calls “mainstream media corruption.” His legal strategy has long intertwined with his political messaging, reinforcing his image among supporters as a fighter unwilling to back down from elite institutions.
Despite critics labeling the move as theater, Trump’s supporters see the lawsuit as long overdue accountability for a press corps that, in their view, has overstepped journalistic ethics. The case is expected to take months, if not years, to move through the courts. If successful, it could reshape the boundaries of how public figures combat misinformation from powerful media organizations.
For Trump, the refiled lawsuit is more than a legal maneuver — it’s a statement of defiance. After being told to scale back, he’s returned with a refined complaint and the same staggering $15 billion demand. It’s a signal to both his opponents and supporters that, no matter the setbacks, Donald Trump intends to fight the media on its own turf — the courtroom.
