In a significant legal development, former President Donald Trump has been directed to pay close to $400,000 in legal fees to The New York Times and three of its reporters. This ruling follows Trump’s unsuccessful lawsuit against the Times and reporters Susanne Craig, David Barstow, and Russ Buettner regarding a 2018 Pulitzer-winning story on the Trump family’s wealth and tax filings.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, initiated by Trump in 2021, alleged that his niece, Mary Trump, violated a settlement agreement by providing tax records to reporters. While seeking $100 million in damages, Trump’s claims were dismissed, and the Times, along with its reporters, were dropped from the case in May 2023.
Judge’s Ruling on Legal Fees
New York Judge Robert Reed, in a Friday order, deemed the sum of $392,638.69 as “reasonable” given the complexity of the case. Trump’s legal team disagreed, arguing for a significant reduction in what they considered “exorbitant” costs.
Reactions from The New York Times
Times Spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha highlighted that the ruling sends a message against the misuse of the judicial system to silence journalists. The decision to dismiss the Times and its reporters from the case was seen as a reaffirmation of the strength of claims against Mary Trump.
Mixed Reactions from Trump’s Legal Team
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, expressed disappointment over the dismissal of the Times and its reporters from the case. However, she emphasized the court’s affirmation of the strength of their claims against Mary Trump, denying her attempt to evade accountability.
Reporter’s Celebration
Susanne Craig, one of the reporters involved in the 2018 story, celebrated the legal victory with a thumbs-up emoji in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Conclusion
The recent court order for Donald Trump to pay substantial legal fees marks a significant chapter in the legal battle surrounding the 2018 story on the Trump family’s finances. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of the ruling and ongoing claims against Mary Trump add complexity to this legal saga.
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