Judge Orders Donald Trump To Pay The New York Times’ Legal Fees In 2021 Lawsuit

LOADING ERROR LOADING A New York judge ordered former President Donald Trump to pay nearly $400,000 in legal fees to The New York Times and three of its reporters after his failed lawsuit in 2021 over the newspaper’s bombshell reports on his tax records. The 2021 lawsuit accused the paper, three of its reporters and Trump’s niece Mary L.

Trump — who was a source for The Times’ investigative reports into the use of suspect tax schemes to avoid paying millions to the government — of engaging in an “insidious plot” to obtain his private files. Trump also alleged that they “were motivated by a personal vendetta.” Advertisement Trump sought at least $100 million in damages in the lawsuit.

But the case was thrown out last May by New York Supreme Court Justice Robert Reed, who ruled that the Times’ reporting of his tax returns was protected by the First Amendment right to free speech. “Courts have long recognized that reporters are entitled to engage in legal and ordinary news gathering activities without fear of tort liability — as these actions are at the very core of protected First Amendment activity,” Reed wrote in his decision.

“Considering the complexity of the issues presented in this action, the number of causes of action, the experience, ability and reputation of defendants’ attorneys, the considerable amount in dispute, and the attorneys’ success in dismissing the complaint against their defendants … the court finds that $392,638.69 is a reasonable value for the legal services rendered,” Reed said in the decision, according to ABC News .

Trump objected to the amount, arguing that the legal work included “unjustified or duplicative work and exorbitant hourly rates,” ABC News reported. Advertisement A decision had not been made about the allegations against Trump’s niece when the Times and its reporters were dismissed from the case last year.

Her attorney had told The Washington Post that he was confident the court would rule similarly in her favor and “protect [her] exercise of her First Amendment rights.” In June, Reed allowed Trump’s claims against his niece to proceed, prompting her to request that the case be put on hold while she appealed the decision.

Reed denied the request on Friday in a separate filing, The Associated Press reported . Support HuffPost The Stakes Have Never Been Higher At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Our News, Politics and Culture teams invest time and care working on hard hitting investigations and researched analyses, along with quick but robust daily takes. Our Life, Health and Shopping desks provide you with well researched, expert vetted information you need to live your best life, while HuffPost Personal, Voices and Opinion center real stories from real people.

Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way. At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. A vibrant democracy is impossible without well informed citizens. This is why HuffPost's journalism is free for everyone, not just those who can afford expensive paywalls.

We cannot do this without your help. Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a vibrant democracy is impossible without well informed citizens. This is why we keep our journalism free for everyone, even as most other newsrooms have retreated behind expensive paywalls.

Our newsroom continues to bring you hard hitting investigations, well researched analysis and timely takes on one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Reporting on the current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly — and we need your help. Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.

Support HuffPost Related Donald Trump new york times Trump tax returns ‘Actually True’: Brianna Keilar Finds Unexpected Grain Of Truth In Trump Presser Donald Trump Defies Judge, Addresses Civil Fraud Trial After Judge Receives Bomb Threat Campaign Finance Watchdogs Threaten No Labels With Lawsuit LEAVE A COMMENT Shruti Rajkumar Reporter Suggest a correction Do you have info to share with HuffPost reporters? Here’s how.

Go to Homepage Popular in the Community FROM OUR PARTNER.