In a recent court ruling, former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay nearly $400,000 to The New York Times and three journalists for their 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning article on his familys wealth and tax practices. The article, which relied on confidential tax records provided by Trumps niece, Mary Trump, was the subject of a lawsuit filed by Trump.Judge Robert Reed dismissed the lawsuit against the newspaper and reporters Susanne Craig, David Barstow, and Russell Buettner earlier this year, stating that Trumps case against his niece is still ongoing. Reed deemed the legal fees owed to The New York Times and the journalists as reasonable, citing the complexity of the case and the states anti-SLAPP law, which safeguards journalists from baseless lawsuits.Danielle Rhoads Ha, a spokesperson for The New York Times, hailed the decision as a victory for press freedom. However, Mary Trumps plea to halt the case while she appeals a previous ruling was rejected by Reed.Alina Habba, representing Donald Trump, expressed disappointment that The New York Times and the reporters are no longer part of the case but emphasized their determination to pursue claims against Mary Trump.What was Donald Trumps allegation Donald Trump initiated the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that The New York Times and the journalists had persuaded Mary Trump to disclose the tax records, which she had obtained during a dispute over the family estate. The article revealed significant financial transactions within the Trump family, including alleged tax avoidance strategies.Mary Trump confirmed her role as the source of the documents in a book published in 2020. The article also detailed purported tax evasion schemes involving Donald Trump and his father. It drew upon extensive financial documentation, including secret tax returns, to support its claims.
