A judge has thrown out Donald Trump’s lawsuit against The New York Times and three reporters who published a 2018 article on his tax plans.
New York Supreme Court Justice, Robert R. Reid also ordered the former president to pay the Times’ legal costs, finding that the state’s anti-SLAPP law applies. That law is designed to limit a defendant from exercising its right to free speech and public participation in order to limit a plaintiff from filing litigation.
Trump filed a lawsuit in 2021 against the Times and the reporters, Susan Craig, David Barstow and Russell Buettner, claiming he allowed his niece, Mary Trump, to take tax and financial documents held by her attorney and violate the 2001 settlement agreement. caused the infringement. Among other things, Trump claimed tortious interference with contract and unjust enrichment.
In Reed’s opinion – read it here – he dismissed Trump’s claims against the media defendants, writing that “Courts have long recognized that journalists have a right to engage in legal and normal news activities , without fear of torture – because these acts are the very core of protected First Amendment activity.
A Times spokesperson said, “The New York Times is pleased with the judge’s decision today. It sets an important precedent that the press is protected when it attends a routine news conference to obtain information of critical importance to the public.” gets attached.
The 2018 article – Trump Engaged in Tax Schemes as He Reaped Riches from His Father – created a sensation at the time, as there was widespread speculation over the then-president’s tax returns. Trump refused to release them during and after the 2016 presidential campaign.