Trump v. New York Times Company et al
| President Donald J. Trump |
| New York Times Company, Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker and Penguin Random House LLC |
| 8:2025cv02487 |
| September 15, 2025 |
| U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida |
| Natalie Hirt Adams |
| Steven D Merryday |
| Assault Libel & Slander |
| 28 U.S.C. § 1332 Diversity-Libel, Assault, Slander |
| Plaintiff |
Docket Report
RSS Track this Docket
This docket was last retrieved on March 12, 2026. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER.
| Document Text |
|---|
Filing 70
ENDORSED ORDER denying #52 Defendants' motion to stay discovery pending resolution of the motions to dismiss, for the reasons stated at the March 12, 2026 hearing. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 3/12/2026. (CJF)
|
|
Filing 69
ENDORSED ORDER granting #49 motion for extension of time, to the extent that Plaintiff shall respond to the motions at Docs. 43 and 44 on or before April 8, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 3/12/2026. (CJF)
|
|
Filing 68
ENDORSED ORDER denying #48 motion for venue discovery. In light of the parties' agreement to submit stipulations as to the material facts, the motion is largely moot. To the extent Plaintiff sought to take depositions to verify the stipulations, the motion is premature, as Plaintiff acknowledges he currently has no basis to doubt the information. To the extent Plaintiff sought to take depositions relating to the propriety of venue in the Southern District of Florida, the depositions are unnecessary, given that Defendants acknowledged at the hearing that the lawsuit could have been brought in the Southern District. See 28 U.S.C. 1404(a) (allowing transfer to any district or division where a lawsuit might have been brought). The Defendants shall provide Plaintiff the facts necessary to complete the stipulations on or before March 18, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 3/12/2026. (CJF)
|
| Filing 66 Minute Entry. Virtual Proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams: MOTION HEARING held on 3/12/2026 re #52 MOTION to Stay Discovery filed by Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC, Peter Baker, New York Times Company, Russ Buettner, #48 MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule filed by Donald J. Trump. (DIGITAL) (CDR) |
| Filing 65 NOTICE of hearing re #48 Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery. Motion Hearing set for 3/12/2026 at 09:00 AM via Zoom Video Conference before Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (CJF) |
| Filing 64 TRANSCRIPT of Motion Hearing held on 2-17-26 before Judge ADAMS. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Lori Ann Cecil Vollmer. Email address: [email protected]. Telephone number: 8133305336. NOTICE TO THE PARTIES - The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely available to the public without redaction after ninety (90) calendar days. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER or purchased through the Court Reporter. Redaction Request due 3/16/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 3/25/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 5/26/2026. (LAC) |
| Filing 62 Minute Entry. Virtual Proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams: MOTION HEARING held on 2/17/2026 re #48 MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule filed by Donald J. Trump. (DIGITAL) (CDR) |
|
Filing 61
ORDER re #48 Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery. The parties have narrowed the factual disputes and discovery requests presented in this motion. Plaintiff now seeks permission to depose five witnesses on fourteen topics. He seeks to learn whether Defendants communicated with persons or entities in the Middle District of Florida (1) to gather information, or (2) to make marketing, publishing, or distributing decisions related to the challenged publications. Following a hearing on the request, and pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 1 and Local Rule 3.01(g), the Court directs the parties to confer as to whether they can stipulate to the relevant facts. On or before February 24, 2026, the parties shall file a joint notice indicating whether #48 the motion has been resolved, or whether they require additional court assistance. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 2/17/2026. (CJF)
|
| Filing 60 NOTICE of hearing re #48 Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery. Motion Hearing set for 2/17/2026 at 12:30 PM in Zoom Video Conference before Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. (CJF) |
| Filing 59 NOTICE of change of address by Alexandra Settelmayer (Settelmayer, Alexandra) |
| Filing 58 NOTICE of change of address by John M. Browning (Browning, John) |
| Filing 57 NOTICE of change of address by Alexandra Perloff-Giles (Perloff-Giles, Alexandra) |
| Filing 56 NOTICE of change of address by Elizabeth A. McNamara (McNamara, Elizabeth) |
| Filing 55 RESPONSE in Opposition re #52 MOTION to Stay Discovery filed by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 54 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Daniel Epstein Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MSN) |
|
Filing 53
ORDER directing the parties within seven days to e-mail the judge a list of proposed mediators; directing the parties to confer in an effort to agree on discovery limited to facts pertinent to venue. See order for details. Signed by Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 1/21/2026. (CJO)
|
| Filing 52 MOTION to Stay Discovery by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 51 RESPONSE in Opposition re #48 MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule filed by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A)(Schifino, William). |
| Filing 50 CASE MANAGEMENT REPORT. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 49 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to #44 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim Motion to Stay and/or Align Briefing Schedule on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(6) Motion with Briefing Schedule on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion to Dismiss, or, Alternatively, Motion for Extension of Time by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 48 MOTION for Discovery Plaintiff's Motion to Conduct Venue Discovery and to Stay Briefing on Defendants' Rule 12(b)(3) Motion Pending Limited Discovery and to Establish Briefing Schedule by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 47 ENDORSED ORDER: Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, and Penguin Random House, LLC's unopposed motion (Doc. #42) for leave to file by delivery to the clerk's office certain items identified in the motion is GRANTED. Signed by Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 12/18/2025. (CJO) |
| Filing 46 REQUEST for oral argument re #44 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 45 REQUEST for oral argument re #43 MOTION to Dismiss Or, in the Alternative, to Transfer for Improper Venue by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 44 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1 - Lucky Loser, #2 Exhibit 2 - Adaptation Article, #3 Exhibit 3 - Survey Article, #4 Exhibit 4 - 2018 Article)(Schifino, William) |
| Filing 43 MOTION to Dismiss Or, in the Alternative, to Transfer for Improper Venue by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit Craig Declaration, #2 Exhibit 1 to Craig Declaration, #3 Exhibit 2 to Craig Declaration, #4 Exhibit 3 to Craig Declaration, #5 Exhibit Buettner Declaration, #6 Exhibit Baker Declaration, #7 Exhibit 1 to Baker Declaration, #8 Exhibit Socia Declaration, #9 Exhibit Moyers Declaration)(Schifino, William) |
| Filing 42 Unopposed MOTION for Miscellaneous Relief, specifically Leave to Conventionally File Exhibits by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) |
|
Filing 41
ENDORSED ORDER: The defendants "joint motion" #22 is GRANTED, and the defendants, as agreed, may file "two dismissal motions: the Venue Motion and the 12(b)(6) motion...with a 20-page extension of the page limit for the latter" but otherwise in accord with the Local Rules, including Rule 1.08. Signed by District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 11/28/2025.
|
|
Filing 40
ENDORSED ORDER granting #33, #34, and #35 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Thomas G. Hentoff, Nicholas G. Gamse, and Kimberly Broecker may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Defendants Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and New York Times Company, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 11/25/2025. (CJF)
|
| Filing 39 NOTICE of Appearance by George S. LeMieux on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (LeMieux, George) |
| Filing 38 NOTICE of Appearance by Eric Corey Edison on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Edison, Eric) |
|
Filing 37
ENDORSED ORDER granting #23, #24, #25, and #26 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Elizabeth A. McNamara, John M. Browning, Alexandra Perloff-Giles, and Alexandra Settelmayer may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Defendants Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Penguin Random House LLC, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 11/25/2025. (CJF)
|
| Filing 36 NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Carol J. Locicero on behalf of Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. Lead Counsel: Thomas G. Hentoff. (Locicero, Carol) |
| Filing 35 Unopposed MOTION for Kimberly Broecker to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157330 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 34 Unopposed MOTION for Nicholas G. Gamse to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157319 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 33 Unopposed MOTION for Thomas G. Hentoff to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24157265 for $150 by Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 32 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Peter Baker. (Locicero, Carol) |
| Filing 31 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by New York Times Company. (Locicero, Carol) |
| Filing 30 NOTICE of Appearance by Carol J. Locicero on behalf of Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company (Locicero, Carol) |
| Filing 29 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 28 NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory Lathrop Pierson on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Pierson, Gregory) |
| Filing 27 NOTICE of Appearance by Justin Patrick Bennett on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Bennett, Justin) |
| Filing 26 Unopposed MOTION for Alexandra M. Settelmayer to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154791 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 25 Unopposed MOTION for Alexandra Perloff-Giles to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154775 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 24 Unopposed MOTION for John M. Browning to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154737 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 23 Unopposed MOTION for Elizabeth A. McNamara to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-24154609 for $150 by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 22 Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Joint Venue Motion and Joint Dismissal Motion and for Extension of Page Limits by All Defendants by Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 21 NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by William J. Schifino, Jr on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC. Lead Counsel: Elizabeth A. McNamara. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 20 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Susanne Craig. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 19 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Russ Buettner. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 18 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Penguin Random House LLC. (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 17 NOTICE of Appearance by William J. Schifino, Jr on behalf of Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, Penguin Random House LLC (Schifino, William) |
| Filing 16 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Edward Andrew Paltzik of Local Rule 2.01(b)(2)(B), which requires members of the Middle District bar to maintain with the clerk a current telephone number, mailing address, and email address. Update your contact information for the Middle District through PACER. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (WLB) |
| Filing 15 NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Alejandro Brito on behalf of Donald J. Trump. Lead Counsel: Alejandro Brito. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 14 WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Russ Buettner. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 13 WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Susanne Craig. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 12 WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to New York Times Company. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 11 WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Peter Baker. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 10 WAIVER of service returned executed on 10/17/2025 by Donald J. Trump as to Penguin Random House LLC. (Brito, Alejandro) |
| Filing 9 AMENDED COMPLAINT against Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC with Jury Demand. filed by Donald J. Trump. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A, #2 Exhibit B, #3 Exhibit C, #4 Exhibit D, #5 Exhibit E, #6 Exhibit F, #7 Exhibit G, #8 Exhibit H, #9 Exhibit I)(Brito, Alejandro) |
| FEE PAID. Fee for pro hac vice appearance, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23990371 for $150 paid. Special Admission for Non-Resident Attorney Edward Andrew Paltzik. (Paltzik, Edward) |
|
Filing 8
ENDORSED ORDER granting #6 and #7 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys Daniel Epstein and Edward Andrew Paltzik may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Plaintiff, subject to payment of the $150.00 special admission fee and submission of the Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration (see https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers) within seven days of this order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams on 10/7/2025. (CJF)
|
| Filing 7 MOTION for Edward Andrew Paltzik to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23958621 for $150 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
| Filing 6 MOTION for Daniel Epstein to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23958576 for $150 by Donald J. Trump. (Brito, Alejandro) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. |
|
Filing 5
ORDER striking the complaint. Signed by Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday on 9/19/2025. (CJO)
|
| Filing 4 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Daniel Zachary Epstein and Edward Andrew Paltzik Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - File a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Co-counsel with filing rights may electronically file the motion on behalf of the lawyer seeking Special Admission or the motion may be filed in paper format; Pay the Special Admission Fee; Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JVC) |
| Filing 3 NOTICE to ALL Counsel of Local Rule 2.02(a), which states, "The first paper filed on behalf of a party must designate only one lead counsel who - unless the party changes the designation - remains lead counsel throughout the action." Counsel must file a Notice of Lead Counsel Designation identifying lead counsel. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JVC) |
| Filing 2 NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Senior District Judge Steven D. Merryday and Magistrate Judge Natalie Hirt Adams. New case number: 8:25-cv-2487-SDM-NHA. (ARL) |
| Filing 1 COMPLAINT against Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, New York Times Company, Penguin Random House LLC, Michael S Schmidt with Jury Demand (Filing fee $405 receipt number AFLMDC-23871106) filed by Donald J. Trump. (Attachments: #1 Civil Cover Sheet, #2 Exhibit A, #3 Exhibit B, #4 Exhibit C, #5 Exhibit D, #6 Exhibit E, #7 Exhibit F)(Brito, Alejandro) Modified on 9/16/2025 to edit duplicate text. (JVC) |
Access additional case information on PACER
Use the links below to access additional information about this case on the U.S. Court's PACER system. A subscription to PACER is required.
Access this case on the Florida Middle District Court's Electronic Court Filings (ECF) System
- Search for Party Aliases
- Associated Cases
- Attorneys
- Case File Location
- Case Summary
- Docket Report
- History/Documents
- Parties
- Related Transactions
- Check Status
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
