Trump Given Green Light to Sue Niece Over NY Times Article by NY Appeals Court
The New York Appeals Court has given the go-ahead for former President Trump to sue his niece, Mary Trump. The lawsuit is based on a supposed violation of a confidentiality agreement she signed as part of a settlement related to her grandfather's estate.
Trump's Legal Battle with His Niece
The Manhattan Appellate Division stated that there was a "substantial basis in law" for Trump to allege that his niece violated the confidentiality clauses of the 2001 settlement of Fred Trump Sr.'s estate. The five-judge panel clarified that they were unsure whether Mary Trump's disclosures fell under the confidentiality agreement, but they allowed Trump to proceed with a lawsuit to determine this. The court also suggested that Trump might only be entitled to minimal damages, not the $100 million he initially sought.
Other Courts Ruling in Favor of Trump
The Epoch Times further noted that other courts have ruled in Trump's favor. In June 2023, a New York judge ruled against Ms. Trump, who then appealed the decision. The five-judge panel upheld the lower court judge’s previous ruling on Thursday.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit stems from a 2018 New York Times article that used information provided by Ms. Trump. The article detailed President Trump’s taxes and cited anonymous sources to publish more information on how much his father allegedly gave to President Trump. Ms. Trump later disclosed that she was one of the sources in a memoir she published.
Response from Ms. Trump's Lawyer
Ms. Trump's lawyer argued that her uncle’s lawsuit violated a state law that prohibits frivolous cases designed to silence critics and “chill and retaliate against” their free speech. These cases are known as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs. The lawyer expressed confidence that Ms. Trump would be vindicated as the case proceeds.
Trump's Response to the Ruling
In response to the ruling, an attorney for President Trump, Alina Habba, stated that the former president is looking forward to holding Ms. Trump accountable for what she described as a “blatant and egregious breach of contract.”
Trump's Criminal Conviction
Interestingly, the news of the New York appeals court decision came shortly before a jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a separate case. Ms. Trump, a psychologist and the daughter of Fred Trump Jr., celebrated the former president’s criminal conviction during a live stream on YouTube.
What's Next?
The ongoing legal battle between Trump and his niece raises questions about the boundaries of confidentiality agreements and the right to free speech. It's a complex issue that will likely continue to evolve as the case progresses. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the former president has a valid case against his niece, or is this an infringement on her right to free speech? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
