A Florida federal judge on Friday tossed out a US$15 billion defamation lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump against The New York Times.

US District Judge Steven Merryday ruled that Trump’s 85-page lawsuit was overly long and full of “tedious and burdensome” language that had no bearing on the legal case.

“A complaint is not a megaphone for public relations or a podium for a passionate oration at a political rally,” Merryday wrote in a four-page order.

“This action will begin, will continue, and will end in accord with the rules of procedure and in a professional and dignified manner.”

The judge gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint that should not exceed 40 pages.

The lawsuit targeted four Times journalists in a book and three articles published within a two-month period before the last election.