Trevor Milton’s CNBC Trade Libel Suit Pushes Defamation Limits

New Jersey appeals court judges pressed lawyers for Nikola Corp. founder Trevor Milton Tuesday over his lawsuit against CNBC Inc., pushing back on the Trump-pardoned businessman’s claims that blur the line between the state’s trade libel and defamation laws.

With New Jersey’s two-year defamation statute of limitations closed, Milton is suing the media giant and defunct analysis firm Hindenburg Research LLC for trade libel, which has a six-year window.

Milton argues that a 2022 episode of the broadcaster’s American Greed series titled “Chasing Tesla” harmed Milton’s business, tanked his stock, and tarnished his ability to secure loans. The episode aired ...