Facts Matter – Episode Summary

Podcast: Facts Matter
Host: Roman (The Epoch Times)
Episode Title: Trump Files $15 Billion Lawsuit Against NYT
Date: September 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Roman explores three major topics:

1. The dismissal of two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione and the broader implications for domestic terrorism laws and healthcare reform efforts.
2. Former President Trump's massive $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, following a string of media-libel lawsuits.
3. The federal deployment of the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, in an effort to address rising crime rates, replicating strategies previously used in Washington, D.C.

Roman maintains the podcast's core approach: factual, detailed discussion without spin or favoritism.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Luigi Mangione Case – Terrorism Charges Dismissed

[00:00–06:20]

• Background:
  Prosecutors accused Luigi Mangione of domestic terrorism after the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, arguing the crime was ideologically motivated and intended to provoke revolutionary changes in the healthcare industry.

• Prosecution's Argument:
  The state cited Mangione's writings and phrases ("delay, deny, and depose" etched onto bullets) as evidence of an explicit attempt to influence healthcare.

  "His writings convey one clear [message]: that the murder of Brian Thompson was intended to bring about revolutionary change to the healthcare industry." – Roman quoting the prosecutors [00:34]

• Judge’s Ruling:
  Judge Gregory Caro dismissed the terrorism charges, explaining that New York state law narrowly defines terrorism.

  "Although Luigi's actions were obviously ideologically motivated, they didn't actually meet the threshold to warrant a terrorism charge...under New York State law, the word terrorism is defined in a lot more of a narrow sense than how it's typically used by you and I." – Roman [01:07]

  • Prosecutors lacked concrete evidence Mangione intended to "intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy, or affect government conduct."

• Irony & Impact:
  Despite the lack of legal evidence for terrorism, Mangione's act catalyzed real legislative developments, notably the “Luigi Mangione Access to Healthcare Act” in California, which would restrict insurance companies from denying care.

  "Naming your bill after a murderer who killed the UnitedHealthcare CEO, it's rather crass to say the least." – Roman [03:56]

• Ongoing Charges:
  Mangione still faces severe state and federal charges, including second-degree murder, firearm offenses, and stalking. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

2. Trump’s $15 Billion Lawsuit Against The New York Times

[06:21–10:37]

• Lawsuit Announcement:
  Trump announced the lawsuit via Truth Social, claiming the Times engaged in a decades-long smear campaign and illegal campaign contribution by endorsing Kamala Harris.

  "Their endorsement of Kamala Harris was actually put dead center on the front page...something heretofore unheard of." – Donald J. Trump, via Truth Social [06:55]

• Lawsuit Details:
  Filed in Florida’s Middle District, the suit accuses the Times of "spreading false and defamatory content" with "reckless disregard" for truth.

  "The New York Times has betrayed the journalistic ideals of honesty, objectivity, and accuracy...published such statements negligently." – Trump’s legal filing [07:25]

  • The lawsuit references articles and a book allegedly defaming Trump, with a specific focus on timing around the 2024 election.
  • Claims $15 billion in damages due to economic losses and reputational harm.

• Precedent & Momentum:
  Trump recently won multimillion-dollar settlements from media outlets (ABC, Paramount, CBS), including an unprecedented move where a former Trump adviser became CBS News's ombudsman.

  "Paramount went so far as to actually assign former Trump adviser Kenneth Weinstein to be CBS News's ombudsman." – Roman [08:40]

• NYT Response:
  The Times called the lawsuit meritless, arguing it attempts to chill independent reporting and reaffirming their commitment to First Amendment rights.

  "This lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate logical claims...The New York Times will not be deterred by intimidation tactics." – NYT spokesperson [09:46]

• Legal Challenges:
  Roman reminds listeners that a similar Trump lawsuit in 2020 was dismissed as protected speech.

3. National Guard Deployment in Memphis, Tennessee

[10:37–12:50]

• Context:
  Memphis ranks among the most dangerous U.S. cities. Trump authorized deploying the National Guard, replicating prior interventions in Washington, D.C.

  "The task force will be a replica...a tremendous success we've had in Washington, I can tell you, and everyone knows it." – President Trump, White House signing ceremony [10:38]

  • The operation involves multiple federal agencies and is led by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

• Local Reaction:
  Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee supports the move, while Memphis’s Democratic mayor opposes it.

  "I'm tired of crime holding the great city of Memphis back, and this will be one more step in the right direction for Memphis." – Gov. Bill Lee [11:20]

• Uncertain Implementation:
  The memorandum lacks detail on the scope, timing, or rules of engagement for the National Guard in Memphis. Out-of-state resources, including National Guard from neighboring states, may be involved.

  "It's not exactly clear what the National Guard troops can do over in Memphis, because...the Democrat mayor of the city has actually come out in opposition to the plan." – Roman [11:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the California Bill Named for Mangione:
  "Naming your bill after a murderer who killed the UnitedHealthcare CEO, it's rather crass to say the least." – Roman [03:56]

• On Media Lawsuits:
  "Assigning [Kenneth Weinstein], by the way, was on top of a $16 million settlement that they wound up paying to Trump after he sued CBS for editing that Kamala Harris interview over on 60 Minutes." – Roman [09:08]

• On Trump’s D.C. Crime Initiative Replicated in Memphis:
  "The task force will be a replica, as I said, and it's going to be, I think, equally successful. This is a tremendous success we've had in Washington, I can tell you, and everyone knows it." – President Trump [10:38]

• On Wikipedia Crime Stats:
  "I wonder if somebody was on the back end of Wikipedia messing with the numbers on Tuesday, when Trump actually signed that executive order...I guess it is the most dangerous city in the country." – Roman [10:30]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Mangione Terrorism Case Explained: 00:00–06:20
• Trump’s Lawsuit Against NYT: 06:21–10:37
• National Guard Deployment in Memphis: 10:38–12:50

Tone & Style

Roman presents the material in a factual, measured, and slightly wry tone. His style is straightforward, peppered with asides and occasional commentary on the broader social or political implications of the news.

Conclusion

This episode offers in-depth reporting on the intersections of criminal justice, media, and federal power. Roman provides context, legal details, and direct quotes, helping listeners grasp not just the headlines, but the underlying statutes, precedents, and emerging trends behind these high-stakes stories.