Donald Trump has filed more defamation and libel lawsuits against media organizations than any president in modern history, and as of mid-2026 he is actively pursuing at least six major cases seeking tens of billions of dollars in combined damages. Two others have already settled: ABC News paid $16 million and Paramount paid $16 million. Most of the active suits have run into the same wall, the “actual malice” standard, and several have been dismissed on that ground. Two have produced payouts anyway, both through business-driven settlements rather than court losses.
Here is where each case stands.
Wall Street Journal: $10 Billion, Dismissed and Refiled
Trump sued Dow Jones, Rupert Murdoch, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo in July 2025 over a Journal article describing a sexually suggestive letter bearing Trump’s name in a 2003 birthday album compiled for Jeffrey Epstein. Trump denies writing the letter and called the report “false, malicious, and defamatory.”1PBS NewsHour. Judge Dismisses Trump’s $10 Billion Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal Over Reporting on Epstein Ties
On April 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in the Southern District of Florida dismissed the case in a 17-page opinion, ruling that Trump came “nowhere close” to plausibly alleging actual malice. Gayles also denied Trump’s request for limited discovery to gather evidence of malice, ruling that such a request “contravenes the purpose behind the actual malice standard.”2The Guardian. Trump Refiles $10bn Lawsuit Against WSJ Over Report on Alleged Epstein Ties
The dismissal was without prejudice, and Trump refiled on May 27, 2026, the last day of the court’s deadline. The amended complaint runs seven pages longer, names the same defendants, and argues that the Journal showed actual malice by failing to explain how the letter was obtained or verified, omitting a denial from Ghislaine Maxwell, and leaving out Trump’s denial. It also alleges that before publication, Trump called Murdoch to deny authorship and Murdoch replied, “I will handle it.” A Dow Jones spokeswoman said the company has “full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting” and will “vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”3New York Times. Trump Refiles $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against WSJ
New York Times: $15 Billion, Awaiting Rulings
On September 15, 2025, Trump filed a $15 billion defamation suit against the New York Times, Penguin Random House, and four journalists in the Middle District of Florida. The suit challenges a September 2024 book by Times reporters Suzanne Craig and Russ Buettner alleging tax and business fraud; an interview in which retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly said he believed Trump met the definition of a fascist; and reporting crediting producer Mark Burnett rather than Trump for the success of “The Apprentice.”4NPR. Donald Trump Files $15 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against the New York Times
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday struck the original 85-page complaint four days later, calling it “decidedly improper and impermissible” and giving Trump’s team 28 days to refile a version of 40 pages or fewer.5CNN. Trump New York Times Lawsuit Dismissed by Judge Merryday An amended complaint filed October 16, 2025, dropped one defendant and reorganized the claims into six counts.6The Guardian. Trump Files Amended New York Times Defamation Complaint As of mid-2026, motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim and for improper venue remain pending, and the parties are in venue-related discovery and mediation.7Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse. Trump v. New York Times Company
BBC: $10 Billion, Trial Provisionally Set for 2027
In December 2025, Trump sued the BBC in the Southern District of Florida on two counts: defamation ($5 billion) and violation of Florida’s unfair trade practices law ($5 billion). At issue is a BBC documentary titled “Trump: A Second Chance?” which Trump claims spliced his January 6, 2021, speech to falsely suggest he directed supporters to storm the Capitol while omitting his call for peaceful demonstration.8WLRN. The BBC Seeks to Dismiss Trump’s $10B Defamation Lawsuit in a Florida Court
The BBC has moved to dismiss, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction, that the documentary was never aired in Florida or the United States, and that Trump failed to show the network “knowingly intended to create a false impression.”9First Amendment Watch. BBC Asks US Court to Dismiss Trump’s $10 Billion Defamation Lawsuit The BBC also argues that Trump’s subsequent election victory shows the alleged defamation did not damage his reputation.10Reuters. Trump Lawyers Refuse to Reveal Financial Information in BBC $10 Billion Lawsuit A federal judge has provisionally set trial for February 2027 if the case survives the motion to dismiss.
CNN “Big Lie” Case: Dismissed, Now Headed to the Supreme Court
Trump’s 2022 lawsuit against CNN sought $475 million, arguing that the network’s repeated use of “the Big Lie” to describe his 2020 election claims falsely compared him to Adolf Hitler. In July 2023, U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal dismissed it, holding that “the Big Lie” was protected opinion. “Bad rhetoric is not defamation when it does not include false statements of fact,” Singhal wrote.11CNN. Trump CNN Big Lie Defamation Lawsuit Appeals
A unanimous three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit affirmed on November 18, 2025, finding Trump’s conduct regarding the 2020 election “susceptible to multiple subjective interpretations” and “not readily capable of being proven true or false.”12Politico. Court Rejects Trump Big Lie Defamation Lawsuit The full 11th Circuit denied en banc rehearing in March 2026, with no active judge requesting a poll.13Yahoo News. Federal Appeals Court Denies Trump En Banc Rehearing in CNN Suit Trump’s team has requested a 60-day extension to file a petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court, pushing that deadline to August 15, 2026.14SCOTUSblog. Trump to Ask Justices to Review His Suit Against CNN
Des Moines Register and Pollster Ann Selzer: On Hold
In December 2024, Trump, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and former Iowa state Sen. Brad Zaun filed a consumer fraud suit in Iowa against the Des Moines Register, its parent company Gannett, and pollster J. Ann Selzer. The suit alleges that a pre-election Iowa Poll published in November 2024, which showed Kamala Harris leading in Iowa, amounted to consumer fraud and “election interference.” The defendants deny the allegations and argue that polling and reporting are protected by the First Amendment.15Des Moines Register. Discovery Paused in Trump Lawsuit Against Des Moines Register Pollster
After the case bounced between state and federal courts, it landed in Polk County District Court. At a January 30, 2026, hearing, defense counsel noted that Trump’s team indicated the president would not participate in discovery and did not believe he sustained damages.16KCRG. Judge Hears Arguments in Trump Lawsuit Against Des Moines Register, J. Ann Selzer In February 2026, the judge paused discovery pending a ruling on the defendants’ motion to dismiss.15Des Moines Register. Discovery Paused in Trump Lawsuit Against Des Moines Register Pollster
Pulitzer Prize Board: Deep in Discovery
Trump sued the Pulitzer Prize Board in Okeechobee County, Florida, in 2022, challenging its decision to uphold 2018 National Reporting awards to the New York Times and Washington Post for Russia coverage. Trump alleges the underlying reporting is “false and defamatory” and that the board’s refusal to rescind the prizes implied “criminal, wrongful, and un-American conduct.”17Yahoo News. Pulitzer Board Demands Disclosure of Unredacted Mueller Report
A Florida appeals court rejected the board’s attempt to stay the case, ruling that “when the President is a willing participant, courts do not risk improperly interfering with the essential functioning of government.”18Bloomberg Law. Mueller Report Trump Russia Evidence Demanded in Pulitzer Suit The case has since become a discovery fight over some of the most sensitive records of the Trump presidency. In late 2025, the board sought Trump’s tax returns, financial holdings, and full medical and psychological records to test his claims of reputational harm.19Newsweek. Donald Trump’s Medical Records Demanded in Pulitzer Prize Lawsuit In January 2026, it followed up with demands for the unredacted Mueller Report, intelligence assessments on Russian election interference, and internal communications involving Stephen Miller, Michael Flynn, Jared Kushner, and Steve Bannon. Because the case is in Florida state court, legal observers have noted the presiding judge may lack the security clearance to review the classified materials. A Pulitzer Board spokesperson said: “Just like any other plaintiff, the president must articulate and prove his claims with evidence.”
Bob Woodward and Simon & Schuster: Dismissed
In early 2023, Trump sued Bob Woodward, Simon & Schuster, and Paramount over the 2022 audiobook “The Trump Tapes,” a compilation of 20 interviews recorded between 2016 and 2020 for the book “Rage.” Trump alleged the audio was released without consent and sought nearly $50 million, claiming copyright infringement.20CNN. Trump Bob Woodward Simon & Schuster Lawsuit Dismissed
On July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe in the Southern District of New York dismissed the case in an 81-page ruling, finding that Trump failed to “plausibly” establish himself as a joint author or show he held any copyright interest. Gardephe said it appeared “unlikely” Trump could adequately plead such a claim but gave him one month to amend.20CNN. Trump Bob Woodward Simon & Schuster Lawsuit Dismissed As of early 2026, the judge was considering whether to allow a refiled version to proceed.21Politico. Donald Trump Media Lawsuits Tracker
TMTG v. The Guardian: Withdrawn
Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent of Truth Social, sued the Guardian, Penske Media Corporation, and former TMTG executive Will Wilkerson over a March 2023 Guardian report. The article alleged that federal prosecutors were examining roughly $8 million in payments TMTG received in late 2021 and early 2022 as potential money laundering, involving entities linked to Anton Postolnikov.22The Guardian. Trump Media Guardian Lawsuit
In November 2025, Judge Hunter W. Carroll of Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota County dismissed the suit, ruling that TMTG, as a public figure, failed to prove actual malice. He allowed an amended complaint, which TMTG filed in January 2026. Then, on April 10, 2026, TMTG abruptly withdrew the case “without prejudice,” filing a notice of dismissal days before a scheduled hearing and offering no explanation.22The Guardian. Trump Media Guardian Lawsuit
The Two That Settled: ABC and Paramount
ABC News: $16 Million
Trump sued ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos after Stephanopoulos said on air during a March 10, 2024, interview that Trump had been “found liable for rape.” A jury had found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, but neither verdict used the word “rape” as defined under New York Penal Law.23NPR. ABC News Settles Trump Defamation Lawsuit Over E. Jean Carroll Remarks
The case settled on December 14, 2024. ABC agreed to pay $15 million toward Trump’s future presidential library and $1 million in legal fees, and to publish a statement expressing “regret.” The deal came shortly after a federal magistrate judge ordered both Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for four-hour depositions.24Politico. Trump ABC Stephanopoulos Settlement
Paramount and “60 Minutes”: $16 Million
In October 2024, Trump sued in Amarillo, Texas, alleging CBS deceptively edited a “60 Minutes” interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris by splicing together different answers to the same question. The complaint claimed the editing caused him “mental anguish,” misled voters, and reduced attention to his campaign. It was filed under a Texas consumer protection statute. In February 2025, Trump amended the complaint to add a federal false advertising claim and raised the demand from $10 billion to $20 billion, with Rep. Ronny Jackson joining as a co-plaintiff.25CBS News. Paramount Trump 60 Minutes Lawsuit Settlement
Paramount settled on July 2, 2025, agreeing to pay $16 million toward Trump’s presidential library and legal costs, with no direct personal payments to Trump or Jackson. There was no apology. Paramount agreed that “60 Minutes” would release transcripts of future presidential candidate interviews.26AP. Paramount Will Pay $16 Million in Settlement With Trump Over 60 Minutes Interview CBS News President Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens both resigned in the weeks before the settlement, reportedly because they opposed a deal. Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks said the settlement was pursued to avoid high legal costs and the unpredictability of trial, allowing the company to focus on its merger with Skydance Media. Legal observers had widely expected CBS to prevail if the case went to trial.27New York Times. Paramount Trump 60 Minutes Lawsuit
Why Most of These Suits Get Dismissed
Running through nearly every case is a single legal obstacle: the “actual malice” standard set by the Supreme Court in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964). Under that ruling, public officials and public figures cannot recover defamation damages unless they prove the defendant published a false statement knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth. The Wall Street Journal case, the CNN case, and the TMTG-Guardian case were each dismissed on that ground.
Trump and his lawyers have openly urged courts to reconsider the Sullivan standard. In the CNN case, his lawyers formally invited that reconsideration, arguing that Sullivan grants news organizations “near impunity” to defame public figures.28Claremont Institute. Trump Takes Aim at New York Times v. Sullivan Trump has publicly called the current framework “a sham and a disgrace.” Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have each written opinions suggesting the Court should revisit Sullivan, and figures including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Claremont Institute have echoed that view.
The Supreme Court has so far not taken up a case directly challenging Sullivan. The standard also retains conservative support: the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, the Alliance Defending Freedom, and the Club for Growth have relied on or defended the protections it provides. The pending certiorari petition in the CNN case is the next opportunity for the justices to weigh in.
What the Settlements Signal
Legal analysts have framed Trump’s litigation campaign less as a series of individual claims expected to succeed on the merits than as a coordinated pressure campaign. Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said of the suits: “These suits will likely fail in court but in the meantime they’ll gratify Trump’s base, distract the press and public, and deter speech and journalism that are vital to our democracy.”29First Amendment Watch. Defamation and the First Amendment
The two settlements have intensified that concern. Neither ABC nor Paramount lost in court. Paramount’s payment came alongside a merger the company wanted approved, and ABC settled shortly after a magistrate judge ordered depositions of Trump and Stephanopoulos. When settlements flow from cases that legal observers viewed as weak on the merits, as one analyst put it, the message to media organizations is that fighting any Trump lawsuit carries business risk regardless of the legal merits.30FIRE. Trump’s Weaponization of Civil Litigation