President-elect Donald Trump is taking bold legal action by suing the Des Moines Register newspaper and its former pollster, alleging "brazen election interference" over the publication of a poll just days before the pivotal 2024 presidential election. The poll, released on November 2, indicated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris would win the traditionally Republican state of Iowa by 3-4 points, sparking Trump's ire.
Trump's lawsuit follows his recent success against ABC News, which agreed to pay $15 million as part of a settlement over statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, who falsely claimed Trump was found liable for rape—a claim rooted instead in sexual abuse as defined by New York law. This pattern of hostility toward the media dates back to Trump's first presidential campaign, and it is clear he is bringing this combative approach back for another round.
During the Monday press conference announcing his intentions to sue, Trump did not mince words, labeling the press as "corrupt" and asserting, "I feel I have to do this. It costs a lot of money to do it but we have to straighten out the press." His lawsuit was formally filed later the same day in Polk County, Iowa.
The former president aims to hold renowned pollster J. Ann Selzer accountable, claiming her poll results were purposefully skewed to favor Harris and influence the electoral outcome. The lawsuit reads: "The Harris poll was no 'miss' but rather an attempt to influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election." Interestingly, Selzer had projected Trump's loss in Iowa, yet he triumphed by 13 points, far exceeding the forecast.
Trump contends the polling methods utilized by Selzer and her allies were deliberately misleading. Trump's grievance extends beyond this singular poll; he has long complained of "left-wing pollsters" distorting data to misguide voters. His lawsuit does not call out any specific pollsters or substantiate these broader claims, leaving many observers puzzled.
Reacting to Trump's accusations, Lark-Marie Anton, spokesperson for the Des Moines Register, stated the paper has already disclosed comprehensive data tied to the poll. She emphasized, "We stand by our reporting on the matter and believe a lawsuit would be without merit.” She assured readers and concerned parties the Register has been transparent, having released the full demographics, crosstabs, and technical explanation from Selzer herself following the poll's publication.
Advocates for press freedom have expressed concern about the chilling effect such lawsuits could have on journalism. Seth Stern, advocacy director for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, remarked on social media, asserting, "... journalists can't help but look over their shoulders knowing the incoming administration is on the lookout for any pretext or excuse to come after them." This highlights the broader anxiety surrounding press freedom under Trump's administration.
Historically, Trump has not shied away from legal battles against various media outlets. His litigation history includes high-profile lawsuits against CNN, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. This latest action against the Des Moines Register is consistent with Trump's other tactics, where he seeks to alter the narrative or undermine sources he perceives as hostile or unfair.
Trump’s dissatisfaction is not limited to traditional polls; just days before the Iowa poll, he sued CBS over its editing of an interview with Kamala Harris—a case he and CBS are currently working to resolve.
While the lawsuit continues to gain traction, it's worth observing how this legal confrontation plays out amid concerns over press freedoms and the integrity of polling methods. The nation's media remains at the forefront of Trump's longer-term strategy to maintain his influence, raising questions about how this might shape electoral narratives leading up to the 2024 elections.
With unresolved sentiments between Trump and the press, this lawsuit marks yet another chapter in their fraught relationship, with the potential to redefine interactions between future administrations and media outlets.
The stakes are high, and as the election nears, journalists will be watching closely how this lawsuit may affect their reporting and freedom to question those in power. Trump's legal actions serve as both a reflection of his past grievances with the media and as signals to the industry for what lies ahead.
