Case: Trump v. New York Times Company

Trump v. New York Times Company et al.

Trump v. New York Times Company et al.

**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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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)

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)

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)

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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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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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

Notice to Counsel of Local Rule

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

Unopposed MOTION for Miscellaneous Relief, specifically Leave to Conventionally File Exhibits by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 12/12/2025)

MOTION to Dismiss Or, in the Alternative, to Transfer for Improper Venue by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Craig Declaration, # 2 Exhibit 1 to Craig Declaration, # 3 Exhibit 2 to Craig Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 3 to Craig Declaration, # 5 Exhibit Buettner Declaration, # 6 Exhibit Baker Declaration, # 7 Exhibit 1 to Baker Declaration, # 8 Exhibit Socia Declaration, # 9 Exhibit Moyers Declaration)(Schifino, William) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Exhibit Craig Declaration

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2 Exhibit 1 to Craig Declaration

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3 Exhibit 2 to Craig Declaration

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4 Exhibit 3 to Craig Declaration

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5 Exhibit Buettner Declaration

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6 Exhibit Baker Declaration

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7 Exhibit 1 to Baker Declaration

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8 Exhibit Socia Declaration

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9 Exhibit Moyers Declaration

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MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Lucky Loser, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Adaptation Article, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Survey Article, # 4 Exhibit 4 - 2018 Article)(Schifino, William) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Exhibit 1 - Lucky Loser

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2 Exhibit 2 - Adaptation Article

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3 Exhibit 3 - Survey Article

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4 Exhibit 4 - 2018 Article

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REQUEST for oral argument re 43 MOTION to Dismiss Or, in the Alternative, to Transfer for Improper Venue by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

REQUEST for oral argument re 44 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

ENDORSED ORDER: Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, and Penguin Random House, LLC's unopposed motion (Doc. 42) for leave to file by delivery to the clerk's office certain items identified in the motion is GRANTED. Signed by Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 12/18/2025. (CJO) (Entered: 12/18/2025)

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (Entered: 12/26/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 44 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim Motion to Stay and/or Align Briefing Schedule on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(6) Motion with Briefing Schedule on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion to Dismiss, or, Alternatively, Motion for Extension of Time by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/26/2025)

CASE MANAGEMENT REPORT. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

RESPONSE in Opposition re 48 MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule filed by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Schifino, William) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

1 Exhibit A

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