A federal judge dismisses Donald Trump’s $50M lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and Simon & Schuster over “The Trump Tapes” audiobook. Here’s what happened.
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⚖️ Trump’s Lawsuit Against Bob Woodward Dismissed by Federal Judge
Former President Donald Trump’s legal battle against celebrated journalist Bob Woodward and publishing giant Simon & Schuster hit a major roadblock Friday. A federal judge dismissed Trump’s lawsuit, ruling that his team had failed to establish any legitimate copyright interest in “The Trump Tapes” audiobook.
This decision came on the same day Trump filed a new, unrelated lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, underscoring his growing pattern of legal offensives against major media outlets.
🗣️ What Was the Lawsuit About?
In early 2023, Trump sued Woodward and Simon & Schuster for nearly $50 million, claiming that the audio recordings of his 20 interviews with Woodward—conducted between 2016 and 2020—were released without his consent.
Trump’s legal team argued that these recordings were “protected material” and that Woodward had overstepped by including them in the audiobook, The Trump Tapes, which was released in 2022.
📝 “This was protected material, subject to various limitations on use and distribution,” Trump’s complaint read.
Woodward and Simon & Schuster, however, called the lawsuit baseless and vowed to fight it aggressively.
🏛️ The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Paul Gardephe of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York sided with Woodward and his publisher in an 81-page opinion.
📌 Key points from the ruling:
- Trump’s team failed to plausibly argue that he was a joint author of The Trump Tapes.
- The Court found no credible copyright interest that would justify Trump’s claims.
- While the current lawsuit was dismissed, Trump’s team was given 30 days to file an amended complaint.
📣 “It appears unlikely that Mr. Trump can adequately plead a plausible copyright interest in ‘The Trump Tapes,’” Judge Gardephe wrote.
Simon & Schuster celebrated the decision, saying:
🗨️ “We’re very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case.”
📚 What Are “The Trump Tapes”?
The Trump Tapes is an audiobook released by Bob Woodward in 2022. It features 20 interviews the veteran journalist conducted with Trump during his presidency and before the 2020 election.
The recordings offered an unfiltered glimpse into Trump’s thoughts on everything from foreign policy to domestic controversies, making the audiobook an instant sensation.
Trump claimed Woodward never had permission to distribute the interviews in audio form, while Woodward maintained that his use was protected under fair use and journalistic standards.
📰 Why This Case Matters
This legal battle is more than a dispute over recordings—it’s part of a larger trend of Trump taking aim at media organizations he perceives as critical of him.
If Trump’s claims had succeeded, it could have had chilling effects on journalists’ ability to publish and distribute interviews with public figures.
✅ For now, the Court’s ruling reinforces long-held protections for journalists and publishers.
🔮 What Happens Next?
Trump’s team has 30 days to revise their complaint, but legal experts say the chances of success are slim.
Meanwhile, Trump’s new lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal suggests he is far from done using the courts to challenge media organizations.
📌 Quick Summary: Trump v. Woodward
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Filed | Early 2023 |
| Trump’s Claim | Unauthorized use of interviews in audiobook |
| Damages Sought | Nearly $50 million |
| Judge’s Decision | Dismissed due to lack of copyright interest |
| Next Steps | Trump has 30 days to file amended complaint |
| Publisher’s Response | “We’re very pleased with the Court’s decision” |
🙋 FAQs
Q: Why did Trump sue Bob Woodward?
A: Trump claimed Woodward used his interview recordings without permission in The Trump Tapes audiobook.
Q: Did Trump win the case?
A: No. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, citing lack of a valid copyright interest.
Q: Can Trump appeal?
A: Yes. He has 30 days to amend his complaint or appeal the decision.
Q: What is The Trump Tapes about?
A: It’s an audiobook of 20 interviews between Woodward and Trump, offering insights into Trump’s presidency.
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