'Big price should be paid': Trump threatens new law in rage against 'dishonest' writers
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks on the day he signs an executive order in the Oval Office, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Donald Trump took shots at his critics in a pair of social media posts and threatened to sue writers who rely on off-the-record quotes.

The president got in front of a new book by author Michael Wolff, who published three books about his first term in the White House, with lawsuit threats and a suggestion that congressional Republicans could change libel laws.

"As a President who is being given credit for having the Best Opening Month of any President in history, quite naturally, here come the Fake books and stories with the so-called 'anonymous,' or 'off the record,' quotes," Trump posted on Truth Social. "At some point I am going to sue some of these dishonest authors and book publishers, or even media in general, to find out whether or not these 'anonymous sources' even exist, which they largely do not. They are made up, defamatory fiction, and a big price should be paid for this blatant dishonesty. I’ll do it as a service to our Country. Who knows, maybe we will create some NICE NEW LAW!!!"

Trump then attacked the Wall Street Journal over an editorial highlighting concerns by Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley, who warned earlier this month that the president's threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico would “blow a hole” in the U.S. auto industry.

"I don’t understand The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, never have," Trump posted. "They come to my aid when I least expect it, sometimes strongly, and I greatly appreciate that — Very meaningful! But then they come out with some real CLINKERS, like today’s Editorial that my Auto Tariffs will hurt the Michigan Automobile Business. They are sooo WRONG, in fact, it is just the opposite. The tariffs will drive massive amounts of auto manufacturing to MICHIGAN, a State which I just easily won in the Presidential Election. They have already stopped numerous new auto plants from being built in other countries, a GIGANTIC WIN (already!) FOR MICHIGAN, and the United States as a whole."

"Just let it all happen, and watch, it won’t be even close!" he added. "AMERICAN industry will thrive, and we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"