Judge throws out Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against New York Times

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Judge MerrydayA federal judge threw out President Donald Trump's $15 billion libel and defamation lawsuit against the New York Times by ruling that it didn't provide a succinct complaint for the court to consider.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday in Florida rejected the complaint but gave Trump 28 days to file another version of the lawsuit. Trump had accused the paper of defaming him with malicious accusations, but the lawsuit lacked "any legitimate legal claims."

"As every lawyer knows (or is presumed to know), a complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective − not a protected platform to rage against an adversary," wrote Merryday, who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush. "A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally or the functional equivalent of the Hyde Park Speakers’ Corner."

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