Written by

Legal Ruling: Judge Mandates Donald Trump to Cover The New York Times' Legal Fees in 2021 Lawsuit

Legal Blow for Trump: Ordered to Pay The New York Times’ Legal Fees in 2021 Lawsuit

In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a New York judge has ruled that he must pay nearly $400,000 in legal fees to The New York Times and three of its reporters. The ruling stems from Trump's failed 2021 lawsuit against the newspaper over its explosive reports on his tax records.

The 2021 lawsuit accused The New York Times, specific reporters, and Trump's niece, Mary L. Trump, who served as a source for the investigative reports, of orchestrating an "insidious plot" to obtain and disclose his private tax files. Trump also alleged a personal vendetta as the motivation behind these actions, seeking a staggering $100 million in damages.

However, New York Supreme Court Justice Robert Reed dismissed the case in May 2021, asserting that The Times' reporting on Trump's tax returns fell within the protected realms of the First Amendment's right to free speech. Reed emphasized the long-standing recognition that reporters are entitled to engage in news-gathering activities without fear of legal repercussions, as these activities constitute core protected First Amendment rights.

In the latest development, Judge Reed determined that $392,638.69 was a reasonable value for the legal services provided by The New York Times' defense team. This decision factored in the complexity of the issues, the number of causes of action, the legal team's expertise, and their success in dismissing the initial complaint against the defendants.

Despite objections from Trump, who argued that the legal work involved unjustified or duplicative efforts with exorbitant hourly rates, the judge upheld the awarded amount. This ruling underscores the court's assessment of the legal services' reasonable value.

It's noteworthy that when The New York Times and its reporters were dismissed from the case last year, a decision had not been reached regarding the allegations against Trump's niece. However, her attorney expressed confidence that the court would rule in her favor, safeguarding her exercise of First Amendment rights. In a subsequent development, Judge Reed allowed Trump's claims against his niece to proceed in June, leading her to request a hold on the case while appealing the decision. Unfortunately for her, Reed denied this request in a recent filing, indicating that the legal saga surrounding the 2021 lawsuit continues to unfold.

Empowering Democracy: HuffPost's Commitment to Accessible Journalism

At HuffPost, we hold a steadfast belief that access to high-quality journalism is a right, not a privilege. We recognize that not everyone can afford expensive news subscriptions, and that's why we are dedicated to delivering deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Our dedicated teams, spanning News, Politics, Culture, Life, Health, Shopping, HuffPost Personal, Voices, and Opinion, work tirelessly to bring you a diverse range of content. From hard-hitting investigations and meticulously researched analyses to quick but robust daily takes, our goal is to empower you with the information you need to live your best life and participate in a vibrant democracy.

In an era where the very foundations of our democracy are at stake, HuffPost remains committed to keeping our journalism free for everyone. We understand that a well-informed citizenry is essential for a thriving democracy, and we refuse to retreat behind expensive paywalls that limit access.

As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, our newsroom continues to play a vital role in providing insights, perspectives, and critical analysis. We believe in the power of information to shape opinions, foster understanding, and contribute to the health of our democracy. To sustain our commitment to accessible journalism, we invite you to support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.

Your contribution goes a long way in ensuring that our reporting remains independent, impactful, and reaches a broad audience. As we navigate the complexities of the current political climate, we recognize the responsibility we bear, and we ask for your support in upholding the principles of a free and informed society. Join us in empowering democracy through accessible journalism—support HuffPost with as little as $1 a month. Together, we can make a difference in shaping the future of our democracy.

Together, Shaping the Future of Democracy

As we stand at the forefront of the 2024 presidential race, HuffPost remains unwavering in its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality journalism for all. A vibrant democracy thrives on well-informed citizens, and we believe that information should be freely available to everyone, irrespective of financial constraints.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, our newsroom continues to deliver hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analyses, and timely takes that empower individuals to engage meaningfully in the democratic process. However, we cannot sustain this commitment without your support.

Your contribution, as little as $1 a month, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that HuffPost remains an independent and accessible source of information. In the spirit of a democracy that values inclusivity, we invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting HuffPost, you contribute to the collective effort of shaping a future where information is a force for positive change, and where every citizen has the tools they need to make informed decisions.

As we navigate the complexities of the political landscape, your support echoes our belief in the power of journalism to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and strengthen the very foundations of democracy. Together, let us continue to champion the principles of a free press and an engaged citizenry. Join us in shaping the future of democracy—support HuffPost today.