In 2021, Trump sued the NYT, three of its reporters, and his estranged niece, Mary Trump, over a Pulitzer Prize-winning series investigating his finances. He claimed they conspired to obtain and publish his tax records, which he argued was a “personal vendetta” and violated his privacy.
Dismissed Claims
However, a New York judge dismissed the lawsuit against the NYT and reporters in May 2023. The judge ruled that the claims lacked merit and violated the First Amendment, as journalists have a right to report on matters of public interest, including the financial activities of figures like Trump.
Legal Fees Reimbursement
As the losing party in the lawsuit, Trump became responsible for the legal fees incurred by the NYT and reporters. This is common practice in litigation to compensate the defending party for the expense of defending a false or frivolous claim.
Amount of the Fees
The total amount awarded to the NYT was just under $393,000, covering lawyer fees, legal costs, and expenses. This was determined by the judge based on factors like the complexity of the lawsuit and the reputation of the legal teams involved.
The court order has several implications. It serves as a victory for press freedom and investigative journalism, demonstrating that media outlets cannot be easily silenced through strategic lawsuits. Additionally, it sets a precedent for future cases involving similar attempts to suppress reporting on matters of public interest.
It’s important to note that the lawsuit against Mary Trump for allegedly providing the tax records is still ongoing. The court order regarding legal fees only pertains to the dismissed claims against the NYT and reporters.