Donald Trump, the President-elect, is doubling down on his legal actions as he gears up for his return to the White House. Fresh off securing a $15 million settlement from ABC News, he has turned his attention to the Iowa District Court, filing lawsuits against the Des Moines Register and prominent pollster Ann Selzer for what he terms "brazen election interference" and consumer fraud. This legal move follows Selzer’s poll, released just days before the November 2024 election, which projected Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump by three points. While Harris’s poll numbers suggested she was gaining momentum, Trump went on to achieve victory in Iowa by over 13 points.
The lawsuit, filed late Monday night, references the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, asserting Selzer’s prediction was not merely inaccurate but intentionally deceptive. Trump's legal team articulates their position by arguing, "Contrary to reality and defying credulity, the defendants’ Harris Poll was published three days before Election Day and purported to show Harris leading President Trump." Their challenge raises the question of whether erroneous polling constitutes misinformation aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.
Trump's legal pursuit is emblematic of his long-standing grievances against various media entities. At his press conference following the recent ABC settlement, he rebuffed the validity of the Des Moines Register's polling efforts, stating, "It was fraud and it was election interference." He underscored his perception of the press’s role, arguing the necessity to combat what he sees as biased coverage. This sentiment echoes his broader strategy of branding media outlets as adversaries, something he has consistently reiterated throughout his political career.
During this latest legal battle, Lark-Marie Anton, spokesperson for the Des Moines Register, defended their reporting, pointing out the publication's transparency about the poll's demographics and technical details. Anton stated, "We believe the lawsuit would be without merit," reinforcing their position sustained by data visibility.
Selzer, revered for her polling accuracy over the years, expressed dismay at the allegations leveled against her recent findings. She described the claims as unfounded and counterproductive to her integrity as a pollster, emphasizing, "The idea of delivering false results intentionally is against my ethics." Yet, even with her continuous dedication to accurate polling, the scrutiny has ignited discussions over the ramifications of polling on electoral narratives.
Trump's past lawsuits against media organizations, which often demand exorbitant damages, serve to maintain his narrative and leverage against any perceived injustices he encounters. He has previously taken legal action against prominent outlets such as The New York Times and CNN, claiming they misrepresented his worth and policies. Observers believe this trend may encourage local entities to initiate similar lawsuits against local journalism, influenced by Trump’s high-profile legal stands.
The lawsuit against the Des Moines Register signals the broader challenges faced by media and polling firms, particularly as public trust wanes amid politically charged allegations. Trump’s claims against Selzer’s poll will be carefully examined under Iowa law, which does not include protections against SLAPP lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation), leaving room for Trump’s case to engage the court effectively.
With the political season heating up, Trump's pursuit of legal remedy may contribute to shifting perceptions of polling and media reliance. Polls, which are typically utilized to gauge public sentiment, can shape campaign strategies significantly, but as demonstrated, they also carry the potential for backlash should outcomes diverge from the predicted path.
The upcoming legal proceedings will focus on the nuances of Iowa’s consumer fraud laws and their applicability to the circumstances surrounding the poll. Stakeholders across the political spectrum will be keeping close tabs on the trial, as its outcome could reshape the relationship between political polling and fair representation of electoral processes.
Trump's legal adventures, including this fresh suit against the Des Moines Register and Selzer, intensify scrutiny on the ethics of polling and wider media practices. With the stakes considerably high surrounding the administration of polling results and the forecast of candidate viability, the ripple effects of these lawsuits could end up influencing how polling is conducted and perceived by the electorate.
