From the beginning, the Trump campaign has claimed that the New York Times story detailing alleged sexual assault from various women is completely made up. Even as more of these stories inevitably pop up and the damage against the Trump campaign mounts, the Trump Team is doubling down on their claim, according to Robert Costa of the Washington Post.
A lawsuit is being drafted now by Trump against the NYT. Very possible it could be announced tonight, though discussions ongoing.
— Robert Costa (@costareports) October 13, 2016
It is an interesting play, although, as Jeff Blehar of the Decision Desk points out, it is going to be incredibly difficult to pull off this suit. Trump is a public figure and it is going to be hell to prove actual malice on the part of the New York Times (even though, come on, it’s the New York Times so yeah there’s probably malice there).
It is a very public and very unlikely to succeed gambit. Yet, it’s actually kinda predictable on Trump’s part. Frankly, I’m surprised he hasn’t drafted one before now.
UPDATE:
Here it is: Trump campaign lawyer sends letter to @nytimes demanding "full and immediate retraction and apology" of article==> pic.twitter.com/yQpk5lgGOB
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) October 13, 2016