Former President Donald Trump has paid $392,000 to The New York Times to settle legal expenses stemming from a failed lawsuit against the newspaper and its journalists.
The lawsuit, filed in response to a 2018 investigation into his finances, alleged “tortious interference” by Times journalists in relation to his niece’s actions. However, Judge Robert R. Reed dismissed the case last year, citing the journalists’ protected conduct under the New York Constitution.
The investigative series, which won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize, sparked controversy as it delved into Trump’s confidential tax records. Despite Trump’s claims of misconduct, the judge upheld the Times’ right to report on matters of public interest.
The dismissal of the case was bolstered by recent amendments to New York’s anti-SLAPP law, designed to safeguard First Amendment rights. This law enables defendants to seek prompt dismissal of lawsuits targeting protected speech.
A spokesperson for The New York Times praised the court’s decision, highlighting the anti-SLAPP statute’s role in upholding press freedom. The outcome sends a clear message against attempts to silence journalists through legal maneuvers.
This settlement marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle between Trump and the Times, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalistic integrity and the public’s right to information.
