The Daily Fuckup

The Supreme Court on July 10, 2026, granted Donald Trump a further extension of time to file a petition for certiorari in his defamation case against CNN, setting a new deadline of August 14. The order came from Justice Clarence Thomas, acting as the circuit justice for the Eleventh Circuit. Court records show Trump first sought an extension on June 3, that Thomas partially granted on June 5 by moving the deadline to July 15, and that Trump then filed a second request on July 1 asking for more time. ([supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25a1357.html))

The order is procedural only. It does not revive the lawsuit, rule on whether CNN’s use of the phrase "Big Lie" was actionable, or say anything about the merits of Trump’s defamation claims. The application says Trump wanted more time so counsel could further confer with him and review the issues to be raised in any petition. ([supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docketpdf/25/25a1357/415506/20260701224315227_trump%20versus%20cnn%20cert%20further%20ext%20application%20new.pdf))

The underlying case has already gone against Trump in the lower courts. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed dismissal of his suit in November 2025 and later denied rehearing en banc in March 2026, which is the judgment Trump says he wants the Supreme Court to review. The new extension simply gives him more time to decide whether to ask the justices to take the case. ([supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/docketpdf/25/25a1357/415506/20260701224315227_trump%20versus%20cnn%20cert%20further%20ext%20application%20new.pdf))