Donald Trump has filed a libel lawsuit against the New York Times in which he complains about an opinion piece (published a month before the Mueller Report was released) that accuses Donald Trump of accepting help from Russia in exchange for policies favorable to Russia. As others have rightly observed, on the merits, the suit has no chance of success and appears to be a publicity stunt. https://www.salon.com/2020/02/27/laurence-tribe-trump-campaigns-lawsuit-against-new-york-times-designed-to-chill-the-free-press/
But the attempt for favorable publicity itself will fall apart. If the case is not abruptly dismissed, the Times will be entitled to discovery from Trump and those in his campaign. So, expect the Times to send written questions to Trump (which must be answered truthfully) followed up by a demand for a deposition. Trump will not answer the questions or appear for a deposition. In a civil case, plaintiffs cannot refuse to answer questions relevant to the proceeding. The last thing Donald Trump wants to do is to answer questions under oath about his campaign’s relationship to Russia. The law suit will be dismissed and will be revealed for the abuse of process that it is: one more demonstration of his lack of respect for the law. What has begun as a publicity stunt will finish as an embarrassment.
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