Judge Delivers Brutal Smackdown to Trump's $15 Billion Lawsuit, Calls It 'Inexcusable'

In a stunning judicial rebuke, a federal judge has thrown out Donald Trump's colossal $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times, delivering a scathing assessment of the former president's legal filing as "improper and impermissible." The move marks a significant and embarrassing setback in Trump's long-running war with the media outlet.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday did not mince words in his decision on Friday. He took direct aim at the sprawling 85-page complaint, declaring that it "stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements of Rule 8," a fundamental court rule governing legal filings. In a sternly worded order, Judge Merryday insisted that the case must proceed "in accord with the rules of procedure and in a professional and dignified manner," a clear slap on the wrist to Trump's legal team for the tone of their initial submission.

The lawsuit, filed just this week, was described by observers as reading less like a formal legal document and more like a political manifesto. It was filled with a "gallery of grievances" against the newspaper, which it labeled a "full-throated mouthpiece of the Democrat party." In a move that likely raised judicial eyebrows, the complaint also veered into self-praise, exulting Trump's 2016 election victory as "the greatest personal and political achievement in American history." This highly unusual and partisan language appears to have been a key factor in the judge's swift dismissal.

While the lawsuit has been tossed, the door isn't completely shut for the former president. Judge Merryday has granted Trump's lawyers a 28-day window to try again. However, they will be on a much shorter leash. Any new complaint is strictly forbidden from exceeding 48 pages, a drastic reduction from the original document. This mandate forces the legal team to strip away the political rhetoric and focus purely on the legal merits of their case, if they choose to refile.

This decision serves as a powerful reminder that courtroom procedure and professionalism are not optional, even for a former president. The judge's order effectively tells the Trump team to go back to the drawing board, ditch the political attacks, and present a coherent, professional legal argument—or risk having their case thrown out for good. The next month will reveal if they can meet this high judicial standard.