President-elect Donald Trump is launching aggressive legal action against the media, initiating a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register, its former pollster, J. Ann Selzer, and the newspaper's parent company, Gannett. The lawsuit, filed late Monday, accuses Selzer of committing "election interference" with her pre-election poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump by three points. This aggressive move is part of Trump's broader strategy to retaliate against what he views as biased media coverage aimed at undermining his electoral success.
The legal action follows the recent settlement of another defamation lawsuit, where ABC News agreed to pay Trump $15 million, which some analysts believe has emboldened him to pursue similar actions against other media outlets. Dylan Byers, media reporter for Puck News, highlighted the potential ramifications this could have for Trump's upcoming second term, saying it might deter media organizations from critically covering his administration.
According to the lawsuit obtained by The New York Times, Trump alleges Selzer's November poll amounted to deceptive practices under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act. At a news conference, Trump remarked, "I have to do it. We have to straighten out the press," showcasing his intent to use legal avenues to influence journalism.
After the lawsuit was made public, Lark-Marie Anton, spokeswoman for The Des Moines Register, defended the publication, asserting, "We believe this lawsuit is without merit" and reaffirming their commitment to journalistic integrity.
The fallout from the lawsuit is notable as Trump turns his attention to Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman who has faced increasing scrutiny from her party over her role on the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. Following reports from Barry Loudermilk’s House GOP subcommittee, which suggested Cheney be investigated for allegedly colluding with key witnesses, Trump declared Cheney "could be in a lot of trouble," using his platform to intensify calls for her inquiry.
Cheney, who has positioned herself as the moral counterweight to Trump’s brand of politics, refuted the subcommittee's findings, labeling them as “a malicious and cowardly assault on the truth.” She emphasized the legitimacy of her committee work, which she says was supported by incriminatory testimony from various Republican figures from Trump’s own administration.
Trump's threat of legal retaliation extends beyond individual lawsuits; it forms part of his broader narrative against the media and his political adversaries, whom he deems as obstructive forces to his agenda. Following his victory over Harris, Trump has made it clear he aims to make these lawsuits tools to exert power and influence. Samantha Barbas, a professor of law, outlined this strategy succinctly: “It’s clear Trump is waging war on the press.”
This legal battle and the political skirmish with Cheney represent more than personal vendettas; they indicate Trump's strategy of consolidative control over media narratives and political opposition. With the federal government restructuring under Trump’s influence, critics fear this could lead to constrained journalistic freedom and increased polarization.
The mounting pressures against media coverage signify Trump’s insistence on controlling the narrative around his presidency. These legal maneuvers, perceived by many as harassing tactics against the press, come at a time when Trump is poised to reassert his influence just as he prepares to reclaim the presidency.
Trump’s intention to target those he believes have wronged him — from media personnel to political adversaries — was underscored when he urged Republican senators not to cooperate with Democrats on cabinet nominations, insisting instead, "I will make my appointments of Very Qualified People when I am sworn in." This statement indicates not only his defiance but his readiness to once again use political power to undermine what he views as opposition.
With the upcoming confirmation hearings for key positions, analysts predict this approach could lead to highly contentious debates, especially surrounding known nominees such as Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense. Amidst these developments, the ability for journalists to operate freely without fear of legal repercussions appears increasingly threatened.
Trump’s strategies suggest calculated moves to leverage potential legal success not just to win cases, but to intimidate those who would challenge him. Historically, this reflects Trump's approach to conflict, where legal measures serve as both shield and sword against critics.
With the political climate heating up and Trump’s administration looming on the horizon, the legal battles against the media and his fiercest critics may only be beginning, signaling the dawn of an administration characterized by aggression toward dissent and media retaliation.
