Former President Donald Trump loses legal challenge against the New York Times over alleged tax fraud

Former President Donald Trump has lost a legal challenge against The New York Times over allegations of tax fraud. The lawsuit claimed that three of the newspaper’s reporters had worked with his niece Mary Trump to obtain and report upon confidential financial documents, and that their reporting was motivated by malice. However, Judge Robert R. Reed has dismissed these claims, ruling that “newsgathering”, including the possession of confidential documents, is a key element of protected First Amendment activity. Trump’s lawsuit against Mary Trump has yet to be ruled upon. The Times noted that the ruling represented an important precedent, confirming that the press is protected when it engages in routine newsgathering to obtain information of vital importance to the public. The former president has previously filed a number of similar lawsuits aimed at suppressing negative coverage and commentary on his conduct and policy decisions.