A federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump's $15bn defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, book publisher Penguin and two reporters, describing the filing as full of 'vituperation and invective'. US district court judge Steven Merryday ruled that the 85-page complaint violated federal civil procedure rules by failing to provide a 'short and plain statement' of the claim.
Judge Merryday gave Trump 28 days to refile an amended action. The judge noted that the two defamation counts only appeared on pages 80 and 83 of the complaint, with much of the preceding material consisting of 'repetitive, and laudatory (toward President Trump) but superfluous allegations'. The order does not address the truth or validity of the claims.
Trump launched the lawsuit earlier this week, accusing the New York Times and Penguin of being a 'mouthpiece' for the Democratic party and of publishing false and defamatory content. The suit focused on articles about Trump's work on The Apprentice and the book 'Lucky Loser', which alleged fraudulent tax evasion schemes by Trump's father.
A spokesperson for the New York Times said the lawsuit 'has no merit' and is 'an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting'. The spokesperson added that the Times 'will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favour'.
