Federal judge dismisses Trump’s billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times.

A federal judge in Florida has dismissed a defamation lawsuit initiated by former President Donald Trump against The New York Times, which sought billion in damages. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday ruled that Trump’s extensive 85-page complaint was unwieldy and laden with irrelevant content, referring to it as “tedious and burdensome” in nature.

In his assessment, Judge Merryday emphasized that the legal complaint should adhere to procedural protocols rather than serve as a platform for political advocacy. He stated that the lawsuit must progress in accordance with recognized legal standards, devoid of the embellishments typical of a public rally or media presentation. Following his ruling, Judge Merryday has granted Trump a 28-day window to amend his complaint, which should not exceed 40 pages in length.

The lawsuit was directed against four journalists associated with The New York Times, focusing on their reporting pertaining to Trump’s finances and his role as a television personality before his presidency. The legal action contested several works published in the lead-up to the last presidential election, including a book and three articles that Trump contended propagated false narratives about him.

The Times has characterized the lawsuit as lacking merit and an attempt to stifle journalistic independence. A spokesperson for the publication welcomed the court’s ruling, noting that it recognized the complaint as more of a political statement than a valid legal argument. Judge Merryday pointed out that the complaint delayed addressing the first count of defamation until the 80th page. He noted that the lengthy document strayed into topics concerning Trump’s television career and a myriad of his other media endeavors.

In his ruling, Merryday remarked that legal complaints should not serve as forums for vitriol against adversaries, reinforcing the notion that while attorneys have some leeway in presenting their clients’ claims, the parameters of such freedom are distinctly limited.

The lawsuit also referenced specific articles that discussed Trump’s early business dealings and allegations related to his father, Fred Trump. Among the key reports targeted in the suit were a piece by Times reporters Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig on Trump’s financial background and another by Peter Baker that scrutinized Trump’s historical controversies leading up to the election.

Previously, Trump has taken legal action against various media entities, including ABC News and CBS’s “60 Minutes,” both of which reached settlements outside of court. He has also sued The Wall Street Journal over reports discussing his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This recent dismissal marks another chapter in Trump’s contentious relationship with the media as he continues to assertively guard his reputation.

As the legal proceedings continue, observers will be keenly watching how Trump’s legal strategies evolve, particularly in light of judicial expectations concerning the format and content of such complaints.