CNN, one of the major television networks in the United States, "sought to use its immense influence - allegedly as a 'trusted' news source - to defame the plaintiff to its viewers and readers in an attempt to defeat him politically," according to the text of the lawsuit filed in Florida.
"CNN's campaign of deterrence, in the form of defamation and slander against the plaintiff, has only escalated in recent months as CNN fears the plaintiff will run for president in 2024," according to the same source.
Donald Trump is seeking $475 million in damages.
Throughout his tenure, the former Republican president had an abysmal relationship with mainstream media like CNN and the New York Times, which he dubbed "fake news" media.
He regularly raged against them on Twitter, from where he has since been banned.
© 2022 AFP