A federal judge in Florida struck President Trump’s $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against the New York Times on Friday, ruling the complaint too lengthy and directing that it be significantly shortened.
The case, filed earlier this week, accused the newspaper of spreading falsehoods about Trump’s ties and political activities.
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday said the filing did not meet procedural standards and must be resubmitted within strict page limits.
Merryday, who was appointed to the bench by President George H.W. Bush, found the original 85-page filing excessive given that it alleged only two counts of defamation.
In a four-page order, he noted the submission contained unnecessary evidence, extended arguments and legal citations that made it improper.
The judge wrote that a lawsuit must follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which require concise and straightforward pleadings.
He made clear that the complaint could not serve as a stage for politics or publicity.
“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,” Merryday wrote.
His order struck the filing from the record but gave Trump’s team