Case: Trump v. New York Times Company

8:25-cv-02487 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Filed Date: Sept. 15, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

On September 15, 2025, Donald Trump filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against the New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC, and individual authors. Plaintiff, represented by private counsel, alleged defamation by defendants against him during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Filing under joint claims of defamation per se and defamation per quod, Trump sought monetary damages to the tune of fifteen billion dollars, plus any additional pu…

On September 15, 2025, Donald Trump filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida against the New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC, and individual authors. Plaintiff, represented by private counsel, alleged defamation by defendants against him during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Filing under joint claims of defamation per se and defamation per quod, Trump sought monetary damages to the tune of fifteen billion dollars, plus any additional punitive damages the court found appropriate. The case was assigned to Judge Steven Douglas Merryday.

On September 19, 2025, Judge Merryday struck the complaint. The court found that the complaint, which proceeded for eighty pages before stating a claim for relief, was in violation of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8(a), since it did not include “a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.” The court wrote the complaint also seemed contrary to Rule 8(e)(1)“[e]ach averment of a pleading shall be simple, concise, and direct.” Judge Merryday gave plaintiff twenty-eight days to refile a complaint that was no more than forty pages in length. 

Trump filed an amended complaint of exactly forty pages on October 16, 2025. The amended complaint removes the extensive political narrative from the original, including all references to the 2024 election, other media lawsuits , and embedded images. The case was legally narrowed by dropping defendant Michael S. Schmidt and all claims related to the "Third Article" he authored. The plaintiff's extensive professional background, including long lists of properties and books, was severely condensed, and the legal claims were reorganized from two broad defamation claims into six defamation claims specific to the defamatory texts at issue. Finally, the amended complaint adds a new demand for a retraction of the publications.

The case remains open pending a new, amended complaint.

Summary Authors

Jack Moore (10/21/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71354540/parties/trump-v-new-york-times-company/


Judge(s)

Merryday, Steven Douglas (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brito, Alejandro (Florida)

Epstein, Daniel Zachary (Florida)

Paltzik, Edward Andrew (Florida)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

8:25-cv-02487

Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial

Trump v. New York Times Company et al.

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

Complaint
5

8:25-cv-02487

Order

Trump v. New York Times Company et al.

Sept. 19, 2025

Sept. 19, 2025

Order/Opinion
9

8:25-cv-02487

Amended Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71354540/trump-v-new-york-times-company/

Last updated Dec. 6, 2025, 4:36 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

**STRICKEN per Order 5** COMPLAINT against Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC, Michael S Schmidt with Jury Demand (Filing fee $405 receipt number AFLMDC-23871106) filed by Donald J. Trump. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F)(Brito, Alejandro) Modified on 9/16/2025 to edit duplicate text. (JVC) Modified on 9/19/2025 as to docket text (ARL). (Entered: 09/15/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Exhibit E

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7 Exhibit F

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Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday and Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. New case number: 8:25-cv-2487-SDM-NHA. (ARL) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

3

NOTICE to ALL Counsel of Local Rule 2.02(a), which states, "The first paper filed on behalf of a party must designate only one lead counsel who - unless the party changes the designation - remains lead counsel throughout the action." Counsel must file a Notice of Lead Counsel Designation identifying lead counsel. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JVC) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

4

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Daniel Zachary Epstein and Edward Andrew Paltzik Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - File a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Co-counsel with filing rights may electronically file the motion on behalf of the lawyer seeking Special Admission or the motion may be filed in paper format; Pay the Special Admission Fee; Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JVC) (Entered: 09/16/2025)

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

Sept. 16, 2025

Sept. 16, 2025

5

ORDER striking the complaint. Signed by Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 9/19/2025. (CJO) (Entered: 09/19/2025)

Sept. 19, 2025

Sept. 19, 2025

Clearinghouse
6

MOTION for Daniel Epstein to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23958576 for $150 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 10/06/2025)

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

RECAP
7

MOTION for Edward Andrew Paltzik to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23958621 for $150 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 10/06/2025)

Oct. 6, 2025

Oct. 6, 2025

8

ENDORSED ORDER granting 6 and 7 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Daniel Epstein and Edward Andrew Paltzik may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Plaintiff, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 10/7/2025. (CJF) (Entered: 10/07/2025)

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

Pay Fee

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23990371 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Edward Andrew Paltzik. (Paltzik, Edward)

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

9

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC with Jury Demand. filed by Donald J. Trump. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I)(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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6 Exhibit F

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7 Exhibit G

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8 Exhibit H

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9 Exhibit I

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Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Clearinghouse
10

WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Penguin Random House LLC. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

11

WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Peter Baker. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

12

WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to New York Times Company. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

13

WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Susanne Craig. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

14

WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Russ Buettner. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/17/2025)

Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

RECAP
15

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Alejandro Brito on behalf of Donald J. Trump. Lead Counsel: Alejandro Brito. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

RECAP
16

NOTICE TO COUNSEL Edward Andrew Paltzik of Local Rule 2.01(b)(2)(B), which requires members of the Middle District bar to maintain with the clerk a current telephone number, mailing address, and email address. Update your contact information for the Middle District through PACER. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (WLB) (Entered: 10/31/2025)

Oct. 31, 2025

Oct. 31, 2025

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

Oct. 31, 2025

Oct. 31, 2025

17

NOTICE of Appearance by William J. Schifino, Jr on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

18

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

19

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Russ Buettner. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

20

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Susanne Craig. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

21

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by William J. Schifino, Jr on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. Lead Counsel: Elizabeth A. McNamara. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

22

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Joint Venue Motion and Joint Dismissal Motion and for Extension of Page Limits by All Defendants by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

RECAP
23

Unopposed MOTION for Elizabeth A. McNamara to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154609 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

24

Unopposed MOTION for John M. Browning to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154737 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

25

Unopposed MOTION for Alexandra Perloff-Giles to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154775 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

26

Unopposed MOTION for Alexandra M. Settelmayer to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154791 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

27

NOTICE of Appearance by Justin Patrick Bennett on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Bennett, Justin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

28

NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory Lathrop Pierson on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Pierson, Gregory) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

29

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

30

NOTICE of Appearance by Carol J. Locicero on behalf of Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company (Locicero, Carol) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

31

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

32

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Peter Baker. (Locicero, Carol) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

33

Unopposed MOTION for Thomas G. Hentoff to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157265 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

34

Unopposed MOTION for Nicholas G. Gamse to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157319 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

35

Unopposed MOTION for Kimberly Broecker to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157330 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

36

NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Carol J. Locicero on behalf of Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. Lead Counsel: Thomas G. Hentoff. (Locicero, Carol) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

37

ENDORSED ORDER granting 23, 24, 25, and 26 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Elizabeth A. McNamara, John M. Browning, Alexandra Perloff-Giles, and Alexandra Settelmayer may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Defendants Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Penguin Random House LLC, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 11/25/2025. (CJF) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

38

NOTICE of Appearance by Eric Corey Edison on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Edison, Eric) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

39

NOTICE of Appearance by George S. LeMieux on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (LeMieux, George) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

40

ENDORSED ORDER granting 33, 34, and 35 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Thomas G. Hentoff, Nicholas G. Gamse, and Kimberly Broecker may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Defendants Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and New York Times Company, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 11/25/2025. (CJF) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

41

ENDORSED ORDER: The defendants "joint motion" 22 is GRANTED, and the defendants, as agreed, may file "two dismissal motions: the Venue Motion and the 12(b)(6) motion...with a 20-page extension of the page limit for the latter" but otherwise in accord with the Local Rules, including Rule 1.08. Signed by District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 11/28/2025. (Entered: 11/28/2025)

Nov. 28, 2025

Nov. 28, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

Nov. 28, 2025

Nov. 28, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

Florida

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Donald Trump personal capacity lawsuits

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 15, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Donald Trump is the 45th and 47th President of the United States, suing in his individual capacity.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

New York Times Company (New York), Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Florida 8:25-cv-02487

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Other