Trump Files $15 Billion Lawsuit Against *NYT*, Alleging Media Bias Harmed His Cryptocurrency Interests and Reputation

Donald J.

has initiated a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its reporters, claiming the publication has engaged in a "long-standing, deliberate campaign of defamatory attacks" directed at him, his relatives, and his associated ventures, which include the Trump Organization, the Truth Social network, and the $TRUMP cryptocurrency token linked to his brand. The case, lodged in the U.S. District Court in Tampa, Florida, targets a 2024 book titled Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father's Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success, as well as related articles. Trump asserts these were disseminated with "actual malice," resulting in damage to his reputation and financial interests. The complaint also accuses the Times of political bias, describing it as a "propaganda outlet" for the "Radical Left Democrat Party" and blaming it for contributing to the decline in the $TRUMP token’s value, which was $8.57 when the case was filed.

This lawsuit fits into a wider pattern of legal actions Trump has taken against news organizations. In July 2025, he filed a separate $10 billion defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal and media executive Rupert Murdoch over reporting about his relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein. The New York Times has not yet commented on the accusations, and due to the case's complexity and high stakes, an immediate settlement appears unlikely. Penguin Random House, which published the book, and three Times journalists are also named as defendants, indicating an effort to hold several parties accountable for the alleged defamation.

Legally, this lawsuit raises significant questions about the limits of press freedom and the responsibility of media companies for their published material. Trump’s complaint alleges the New York Times knowingly published false information or acted with "reckless disregard" for the truth—a threshold commonly applied in cases involving public figures. Should the court rule in Trump’s favor, the decision could set a substantial precedent, potentially making it more challenging for journalists and news outlets to publish critical stories about prominent individuals without facing major legal consequences. The final outcome will depend on how the court interprets the claims and evaluates the evidence.

The timing is noteworthy, aligning with ongoing regulatory and legal shifts in the cryptocurrency industry. The TRUMP token, which is tied to Trump’s Truth Social platform, has drawn attention from U.S. regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a related matter, the SEC postponed its decision on a Truth Social

ETF proposal until September 18, 2025. Although the ETF is distinct from the TRUMP token, the regulatory landscape for digital assets remains unpredictable, and this lawsuit could further impact the token’s standing in the market. The case highlights the growing convergence of media law and innovative financial technologies, where reputational issues and market fluctuations are closely linked.

In conclusion, this lawsuit marks a significant escalation in Trump’s ongoing legal confrontations with the press, illustrating how defamation claims are playing a larger role in shaping public narratives around notable individuals and their digital ventures. The result of this case could affect both media liability standards and the overall regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies and social platforms. As proceedings continue, the case will be monitored closely by legal professionals, financial experts, and policymakers.