# Trump sues Simon and Schuster, Bob Woodward, et al., for publishing interview tapes **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [January 31, 2023, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108 "2023-01-31T17:31:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2023, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/21 "2023-02-01T23:14:31Z")
At this point he’s probably just flailing, fighting back from habit in the only way he knows how. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2023, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/22 "2023-02-01T23:55:01Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > I remember Woodward revealing a few months ago that Trump said something incriminating on the record, then told Woodward “don’t tell anyone I told you that.” Maybe Trump thinks that’s legally binding somehow? This seems to me, in broad outline, something Bob Woodward has faced with other interviewees. And I’m thinking that, after some discussion, Woodward reluctantly respects the interviewee’s slightly-too-late request to go off the record. Does anyone know what Woodward did when Trump tried this gambit? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/23 "2023-02-02T00:18:30Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > I never assume the purpose of these suits is to actually stop anyone. It’s always just a delay tactic. So my question then is What will this delay? What can he accomplish with the suit alone, regardless of whether he wins it? It’s not always a delay tactic. Sometimes the purpose is to harass his perceived enemies and make their lives as miserable as he can. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/24 "2023-02-02T00:39:02Z")
Nah. It’s nowhere near as straightforward as y’all think. Trump famously holds a grudge, letting no perceived grievance go un-redressed. To wit: > In October 2016, [Carly] Simon donated the rights to “You’re So Vain” for use in an anti-Donald Trump political attack ad. Simon had long chosen to keep her political views private and had never allowed “You’re So Vain” to be used for political purposes in the past. As a reason for changing that Simon cited the recently released, now infamous, Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump can be heard bragging on a hot mic about his behavior towards married women that commentators and lawyers have described as sexual assault. Simultaneously, Simon announced her opposition to Trump’s candidacy in the upcoming 2016 U.S. presidential election. Simon cited the tape as what motivated her for the first time in her career to publicly take a political stance. [**SOURCE**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carly_Simon) /s … I think. Maybe. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/25 "2023-02-02T00:49:39Z")
And, as Carly Simon is the daughter of Richard Simon, co-founder of Simon & Schuster, one could say, as Ms. Simon once sang, “it’s coming around again.” ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/26 "2023-02-02T01:08:12Z")
Surprised Trump didn’t malaproop with Wayne and Schuster. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/27 "2023-02-02T12:15:11Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > It’s not always a delay tactic. Sometimes the purpose is to harass his perceived enemies and make their lives as miserable as he can. Agreed. Plus deterrence against the next person considering doing something similar. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/28 "2023-02-02T12:26:18Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#): > > Trump is suing over the interview tapes where Trump admitted having classified Kim Jong Un letters. It’s yet another of his many actions that show just how guilty he is of so many horrible things. He is just oh so desperate to hide the real Trump from the public. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/29 "2023-02-02T14:40:54Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > He is just oh so desperate to hide the real Trump from the public. Narrator: It isn’t working. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/30 "2023-02-02T14:42:45Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > Narrator: It isn’t working. Indeed and, ironically, it just calls even more attention to his misdeeds, not less. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/31 "2023-02-02T14:46:09Z")
He got his degree from the Streisand School of Effects. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/32 "2023-02-02T14:53:52Z")
We forget which audience he’s playing to. In the Bizzarro world of his followers, he’s totally stuffing this one up Woodward’s ass. While being paid to do so. They’re loving it. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/33 "2023-02-02T14:58:13Z")
I’m afraid that you’re right. He said on camera, “Don’t listen to what you see and hear; listen to me.” THEY CHEERED. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/34 "2023-02-02T15:06:41Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > In the Bizzarro world of his followers, he’s totally stuffing this one up Woodward’s ass. While being paid to do so. They’re loving it. Well, we’re back to the issue with bad information. Announce the lawsuits with fervor, fanfare and much fist waving about hitting back the bad guys. When the cases roll around in 2-3 years, and/or get dismissed for cause, with a million dollars in penalties, no notice is made unless the judge/prosecutor is a POC or female. And then it’s proof the system is fixed. Repeat until dead. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/35 "2023-02-02T15:11:14Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > What can he accomplish with the suit alone, regardless of whether he wins it? Is it possible that the audio can’t be used against him (in other cases) until this is settled? And, if so, would that mean the information in the book couldn’t be substantiated and just be hearsay? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2023, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/36 "2023-02-02T16:00:00Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Is it possible that the audio can’t be used against him (in other cases) until this is settled? And, if so, would that mean the information in the book couldn’t be substantiated and just be hearsay ? No. This lawsuit is not contesting the authenticity of the tapes. If anything, by suing over the use of “his voice” he has admitted the statements are his. The statements of a party-opponent are admissible in court. (although I doubt any of Woodward’s questions are related to the other lawsuits) ---
**Author:** ![carlb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carlb/32/5930_2.png) [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/37 "2023-02-04T16:52:01Z")
No detailed knowledge here, but Bob Woodward’s been at this a _long_ time. I’d be very, very surprised if he didn’t have all of this explicitly laid out in whatever contract he had with Trump (and which Trump surely didn’t read in detail). It just feels like the kind of situation Woodward’s faced before and has locked up nice and tight, contractually-speaking. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/38 "2023-02-04T17:42:19Z")
> [@carlb](#): > > I’d be very, very surprised if he didn’t have all of this explicitly laid out in whatever contract he had with Trump Probably. I mean, this is the same administration that someone was entirely unaware that they were being filmed for a documentary. > **[Trump aides didn't know someone was filming Trump on January 6 until the...](https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-aides-didnt-know-trump-recorded-on-jan-6-reports-2022-6)** > > Aides have said they were shocked to discover that Alex Holder, a UK documentary maker, was filming Trump on January 6. > Trump aides [told Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/alex-holder-jan-6-committee-subpoena-1371644/) that they had “no idea” the film crew had had months of access to Trump and his family. > “What the fuck is this?” a former campaign official texted the outlet. I didn’t pay too much attention to that one so I might have missed it, but I always got the impression they weren’t feigning ignorance. It seemed like they were so entirely unaware of their surroundings they really didn’t notice a camera crew. OTOH, it’s seems on-brand for Trump to see a camera and assume it’s sole reason for existing is to film him so the world can see how amazing he is. ETA, whatever happened to the doc? Was it released? I don’t recall seeing footage of Trump on 1/6. I see it now. It’s on Discovery+. Did anyone see it? Is it worth watching? > **[Unprecedented (miniseries)](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unprecedented_%28miniseries%29&useskin=vector)** > > Unprecedented is a 2022 American-British documentary television miniseries revolving around the 2020 US presidential election, which premiered on July 10, 2022, on Discovery+. > The documentary series includes previously unreleased footage of the Trump family on the campaign trail and their reactions to the outcome of the election. The Trumps did not request contractual right of control. It is said to offer intimate and unprecedented interviews with Trump, his family and others who were in the Whi... ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2023, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/39 "2023-02-04T17:49:33Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > When the cases roll around in 2-3 years, and/or get dismissed for cause, with a million dollars in penalties, no notice is made unless the judge/prosecutor is a POC or female. **[Or of Mexican heritage.](https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/27/politics/judge-curiel-trump-border-wall/index.html)** ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2023, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108/40 "2023-02-05T01:45:20Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > I’m afraid that you’re right. He said on camera, “Don’t listen to what you see and hear; listen to me.” Googling, I’m not finding this quotation. But if Bob Woodward tells us Trump said it, I’m going to take that over Google. I think he’s a tough man to sue against and win. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-sues-simon-and-schuster-bob-woodward-et-al-for-publishing-interview-tapes/979108.md?page=3)