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Former President Donald Trump has ignited another courtroom battle, this time unleashing a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, several of its star reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House. The explosive case, filed Monday in Florida federal court, accuses the defendants of orchestrating a calculated smear campaign designed to cripple Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.

A Book and Three Articles at the Center of the Storm

At the heart of the suit is the book “Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success,” penned by Times journalists Susanne Craig and Russ Buettner and published in September 2024 by Penguin. Trump claims the work—along with three Times articles tied to its release—was part of a coordinated attack to inflict “maximum damage” ahead of Election Day.

Among the cited pieces are:

• “The Star-Making Machine That Created ‘Donald Trump’” by Craig and Buettner, released just before the book’s debut.

• “For Trump, a Lifetime of Scandals Heads Toward a Moment of Judgment” by Peter Baker on Oct. 20, 2024.

• “As Election Nears, Kelly Warns Trump Would Rule Like a Dictator” by Michael S. Schmidt on Oct. 24, 2024.

All four reporters are individually named in the lawsuit.

Trump’s Claims: Fabrications and Character Attacks

The complaint alleges the publications are riddled with falsehoods, including claims that Trump:

• Inherited more than $400 million through fraudulent tax schemes.

• Paid someone to take the SAT exam on his behalf.

• Made admiring comments about Adolf Hitler.

“These are not errors; they are malicious fabrications,” the suit argues, adding that the Times consistently seeks to portray Trump “in the most antagonistic and negative way possible.”

Past Legal Clashes With the Media

Trump’s filing also highlights his history of courtroom battles with media giants, pointing to what he called “monumental victories.” Those include a $16 million settlement with Paramount over a “60 Minutes” broadcast involving Vice President Kamala Harris, and another $16 million settlement with ABC News tied to statements by anchor George Stephanopoulos.

The lawsuit also references his $10 billion claim against The Wall Street Journal, filed in July, which centered on a story linking him to Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday celebration.

The Times Fires Back

The New York Times wasted no time pushing back. A spokesperson declared Tuesday:

“This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting. The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics. We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists’ First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people.”

Penguin Random House has not yet responded to requests for comment.