A judge in New York has ordered that Trump must pay the New York Times almost $400,000 in legal fees. One of the reporters in the suit reacted to the verdict by criticizing Trump’s dismissed suit as a waste of time.
Long story
Trump sued the paper in 2021 over a 2018 investigation into his finances. The report, titled “Trump Engaged in Suspect Tax Schemes as He Reaped Riches From His Father,” won a Pulitzer prize.
Tossed out
One of New York’s Supreme Court justices dismissed the suit in May 2023. The justice ruled that reporters were “entitled to engage in legal and ordinary news-gathering activities without fear or tort liability.”
Central to democracy
“Their actions,” the justice stressed, “are at the very core of protected First Amendment activity.”
Dividing the funds
Trump has to pay about $230,000 of the total fee to Susanne Craig and Russell Buettner, with the remainder going to David Barstow. The three were those credited for the Times’s investigation.
Waste of time
Craig celebrated the decision on X, calling Trump’s suit “frivolous.” She took the opportunity to reshare the original story at the heart of the lawsuit.
Celebrations
Dozens of users responded, offering congratulations. “I just wanted to thank you,” one wrote, “for all the incredible work you have done and keep doing in holding Trump accountable for his financial crimes.”
Vindication
“Congratulations,” another wrote, “on having your excellent reporting vindicated again.” “That’s what winning journalism looks like!” another commented.
Consequences
“It’s important that journalists see Trump getting consequences for his bullying,” one user wrote. “It’s about time he pays the price of his frivolous lawsuits,” another commented.
Failed attempt
Trump had sought $100 million from the New York Times and Mary Trump, accusing them of “an insidious plot” to acquire his tax records. However, the judge said these claims “fail as a matter of constitutional law.”
Paying up
“Get out the checkbook, Donald,” one user wrote on X. “This will be the first time in history that Donald Trump actually paid for legal services!” another joked.
Track record
“I wonder how many different things [Trump] can do to delay & never pay,” one user commented. “It’s his thing. Sigh.”
Getting away with it
“No way he will pay the fine,” one user predicted. “Anybody ever follow up to see if Trump ever pays his judgements?”
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