Former President Donald Trump has been ordered by a New York judge to pay $392,638 in legal fees to The New York Times.
The ruling comes after a lawsuit filed by Trump against the outlet and three of its reporters, as well as his niece Mary Trump, was dismissed last May. Trump had alleged that the reporters had encouraged his niece to provide them with confidential tax documents, in violation of a prior settlement.
In his ruling, New York Supreme Court Justice Robert Reed stated that reporters are entitled to engage in legal and ordinary newsgathering activities without fear of liability, as these actions are protected by the First Amendment. Trump had previously claimed that The New York Times and his niece were motivated by personal vendettas and a desire for fame, notoriety, and financial gain.
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2018 story written by reporters Susanne Craig, David Barstow, and Russell Buettner, which challenged Trump's assertion of being a self-made billionaire by investigating his tax schemes. The story raised doubts about the legitimacy of Trump's claims.
The New York Times hailed the judge's decision as a victory for press freedom, stating that it demonstrates the power of the state's anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute in protecting journalists. Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha emphasized the court's message to those who attempt to misuse the judicial system to silence journalists.
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