U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday of the Middle District of Florida issued a blistering ruling on September 19, 2025, dismissing President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and Penguin Random House for failing to meet Federal Rule 8’s requirement for a “short and plain” statement of claims.
Key Points of the Ruling
Judge Merryday found Trump’s 85-page complaint to be “decidedly improper and impermissible,” noting that:
- The filing substituted political rhetoric for factual allegations and legal claims.
- It “extends far beyond the outer bound of [Rule 8’s] latitude,” serving more as a public relations platform than a legal document.
- Trump’s lawyers were granted 28 days to refile a revised complaint, limited to 40 pages.
“A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally” — Judge Merryday.
Background and Context
President Trump filed the suit on September 15, 2025, accusing the Times of publishing falsehoods in articles about his leadership style, coverage of The Apprentice, and controversy surrounding his administration. The swift dismissal underscores the court’s insistence on procedural rigor, even for high-profile plaintiffs.
Judge Merryday, appointed by President George H. W. Bush in 1992, has a history of upholding clear standards for legal pleadings and previously issued significant injunctions against federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implications and Next Steps
- Amended Filing: Trump’s legal team must submit a concise, fact-based complaint within four weeks, adhering strictly to Rule 8.
- Judicial Precedent: The decision reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to procedural rules over political or media considerations.
- Media Litigation: News organizations may view this ruling as a safeguard against overly broad defamation suits meant to stifle reporting.
Judge Merryday’s ruling sets a clear reminder: even the most powerful litigants must follow the fundamental rules of civil procedure or face immediate dismissal.
