Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG) has filed a $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit against The Washington Post, alleging that the news outlet published false and defamatory statements about the company. The lawsuit accuses The Post of knowingly releasing “false” articles with the intention of harming TMTG’s business. It also claims that the outlet conspired with a former TMTG employee to create a “fraudulent narrative about securities fraud” by providing documents.
The lawsuit refers to an article published by The Post titled “Trust linked to porn-friendly bank could gain a stake in Trump’s Truth Social,” which allegedly falsely claimed that the bank ES Family Trust could acquire a significant stake in TMTG. The article also mentioned allegations that Trump’s company paid a $240,000 finder’s fee to the ES Family Trust for arranging an $8 million loan deal, a payment that TMTG denies ever making.
The article cited internal documents obtained from whistleblower Will Wilkerson, a former executive vice president of operations at TMTG. Wilkerson reportedly provided approximately 150,000 emails, contracts, and other internal documents to regulatory bodies. However, TMTG argues in the lawsuit that Wilkerson was a disgruntled ex-employee who was terminated for just cause and had provided false information to various media outlets.
TMTG, owned by former President Donald Trump and the parent company of Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, alleges that The Post published a defamatory hit piece that falsely accused TMTG of securities fraud and other wrongdoing. The company claims that the article subjected TMTG to public ridicule, contempt, and distrust, causing damage to its business and reputation.
The lawsuit aligns with Trump’s longstanding accusations of media bias and presents a narrative akin to a “witch hunt.” It alleges that The Washington Post has been on a years-long crusade against TMTG, concealing relevant information despite its motto being “Democracy Dies in Darkness.”
The Post’s article followed an investigative piece by The Guardian, which raised concerns about potential money laundering and Russian ties, as well as the alleged acceptance of $8 million. TMTG has filed a separate defamation lawsuit against The Guardian, claiming that The Post was aware of the article and the lawsuit but still published and republished false and defamatory statements from The Guardian.
TMTG is demanding a trial by jury and is seeking $2.78 billion in compensatory damages and an additional $1 billion in punitive damages. This lawsuit is one of several civil suits involving Trump as either the plaintiff or defendant, alongside ongoing criminal charges in New York City and various federal, state, and local investigations.
At the time of reporting, Trump’s attorneys had not responded to requests for comment.
