Trump Slams New York Times with Record $15B Defamation Lawsuit—Largest in Media History

Former President launches nuclear option against legacy media giant

The $15 Billion Gamble

Trump's legal team files what could become the most expensive defamation case ever brought against a news organization. The lawsuit targets The New York Times for what plaintiffs call 'systematic character assassination'—claiming damages that dwarf most media companies' market caps.

Media vs. Mogul

The case escalates Trump's long-running feud with mainstream press into unprecedented financial territory. Legal experts note the $15B figure represents more than the Times' entire revenue for the past three years combined—making this less lawsuit and more corporate hostage situation.

Financial analysts yawn while calculating how many Bitcoin ETFs that $15B could buy instead.

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The lawsuit comes just days after the publication released articles about Trump’s ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, Trump threatened to sue the New York Times over a report that included a suggestive note and drawing linked to Epstein, while the WHITE House has denied all related allegations.

Trump Says NYT Has Engaged in Decades of Lying

In his post, Trump claimed The New York Times has “engaged in decades-long method of lying” about him, his family, his business, the America First Movement, MAGA, and the Nation as a whole. He pointed to examples such as the paper’s endorsement of former presidential candidate Kamala Harris. He added that the publication “has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW!”

Trump also criticized other outlets, including Paramount’s (PSKY) CBS News and Disney’s (DIS) ABC News, accusing them of similarly misleading the public. In July 2025, Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump over its airing of an October 2024 interview with Kamala Harris. In December last year, ABC reached a $15 million settlement in a comparable defamation case. The lawsuit highlights Trump’s ongoing feud with the media and points to a growing conflict with major news organizations.

Is NYT Stock a Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Analysts remain divided on New York Times’ long-term outlook. On TipRanks, NYT stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on three Buys and Hold ratings each. The average New York Times price target of $61 implies nearly 3% upside potential from current levels. Year-to-date, NYT stock has gained 14.9%.