Former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay The New York Times and three of its reporters hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees by a judge.
This ruling is the latest development in Trump’s $100 million lawsuit against the newspaper, accusing them of obtaining his confidential tax information for a 2018 series. However, the judge dismissed the Times and reporters from the suit in May, citing First Amendment protections.
The ruling was made by New York Judge Robert Reed, who also rejected a request by Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, to pause the case while she appeals a June decision that allowed the suit against her to advance. Mary Trump was accused of breaching a settlement agreement by disclosing tax documents. The judge’s order also states that Trump must cover nearly $400,000 in attorney’s fees, legal expenses, and costs.
The New York Times hailed the decision as a victory for press freedom, with a spokesperson, Danielle Rhoads Ha, calling it “a powerful force for protecting press freedom.” The judge’s ruling also rejected Mary Trump’s appeal to have the case put on hold, stating that it would proceed as planned.
The lawsuit, which was filed in 2021, accused the Times and its journalists — Susanne Craig, David Barstow, and Russell Buettner — of engaging in an “insidious plot” to obtain Trump’s tax information. Trump also accused Mary Trump of being motivated by a “personal vendetta” against him. In response, Mary Trump filed a counterclaim against her uncle in July, alleging that he was using the lawsuit to “chill” her and others from criticizing him in the future.
Despite facing numerous legal challenges, including criminal cases and efforts to remove him from the ballot, Trump remains the frontrunner in polls for the GOP nomination. He is currently running for the presidency for a third time, seeking a second term in the White House.
In his ruling, Judge Reed stated that the “complexity of issues” involved in the case warranted Trump to pay the legal fees of The New York Times and its reporters. This comes after the judge dismissed the case against them in May, citing First Amendment protections.
Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, responded to the ruling, stating that while they were disappointed that the Times was no longer part of the case, they were pleased that the court had affirmed their claims against Mary Trump and denied her attempt to avoid accountability. Habba also stated that they are looking forward to proceeding with their claims against her.
As the case continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s campaign for the presidency. Despite the legal challenges, he remains the frontrunner in the polls for the GOP nomination. The outcome of this case could have implications for the future of press freedom and the use of anti-SLAPP laws in New York.
This ruling is just one of many legal battles Trump is currently facing, with several ongoing criminal investigations and civil lawsuits against him and his family. As the legal challenges continue, it is clear that Trump’s presidency will continue to be marked by controversy and legal drama.