Trump lawsuit Iowa poll/ Des Moines Register lawsuit/ Selzer & Co. polling controversy/ Trump election interference claim/ media and polling lawsuits/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer, her firm, and The Des Moines Register over a pre-election poll that inaccurately predicted Kamala Harris leading in Iowa. Trump alleges election interference under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, though experts view the lawsuit as unlikely to succeed.
Trump Sues Des Moines Register Over Polling: Quick Looks
- Lawsuit Targets: Pollster J. Ann Selzer, Selzer & Co., The Des Moines Register, and Gannett.
- Allegations: Claims poll misled voters to favor Kamala Harris in Iowa.
- Poll Details: Final poll showed Harris leading Trump in Iowa by 3 points; Trump won by 13 points.
- Trump’s Legal Argument: Accuses poll of “election interference” under the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.
- Expert Opinion: Lawsuit unlikely to succeed due to lack of evidence.
- Chilling Effect: Media experts warn of potential impact on polling and journalism.
- Context: Trump recently settled a $16 million defamation case with ABC News.
Trump Targets Media and Pollster in Election Lawsuit
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump has launched another legal battle against the media, this time targeting The Des Moines Register, its parent company Gannett, and renowned pollster J. Ann Selzer. The lawsuit accuses Selzer and her firm of violating the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act by releasing a pre-election poll that incorrectly showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump in Iowa just days before the 2024 election.
The Poll in Question
The October 2024 poll, conducted by Selzer & Co., surveyed 808 likely voters in Iowa and reported Harris ahead of Trump by 3 percentage points (47% to 44%). This result shocked observers, as Iowa was widely expected to favor Trump. Ultimately, Trump won the state by a decisive 13-point margin, a discrepancy that he claims amounts to deliberate “election interference.”
In the lawsuit, Trump’s attorneys argue that the poll aimed to create a false narrative benefiting Harris and the Democratic Party.
“Defendants and their cohorts in the Democrat Party hoped the Harris Poll would create a false narrative of inevitability,” Trump’s legal team wrote.
Media and Legal Expert Reactions
Media and legal experts have expressed skepticism about the case. Election law expert Rick Hasen of UCLA noted that Trump’s lawsuit provides no concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
“I don’t expect this lawsuit to go anywhere,” Hasen wrote.
Joel Simon, director of the CUNY Journalism Protection Initiative, warned of the chilling effect such lawsuits could have on journalism and polling. He compared Trump’s legal strategy to tactics used by authoritarian leaders worldwide, stating:
“Mounting a legal defense can be a serious challenge for smaller or less resourced news organizations.”
The Des Moines Register’s Response
The Des Moines Register and Gannett defended their reporting, acknowledging that the final poll did not align with election results. A spokesperson highlighted the release of the poll’s full data and methodology to ensure transparency, stating the lawsuit is “without merit.”
Broader Context
The lawsuit follows Trump’s recent $16 million settlement with ABC News in a defamation case. Emboldened by that victory, Trump has signaled his intention to pursue further legal action against media outlets he perceives as adversarial.
Experts view these lawsuits as part of a broader effort to discredit critical media and reshape public perceptions of journalistic integrity.
Implications for Journalism and Polling
Trump’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for political polling and journalism. Critics fear it may discourage pollsters and journalists from conducting or publishing critical analyses, particularly those unfavorable to influential figures.
While the likelihood of success for Trump’s lawsuit is slim, the financial and time burden of mounting a legal defense could deter smaller media outlets and polling firms from operating independently.
Looking Ahead
As Trump prepares to take office, his legal actions against the media signal a contentious relationship with the press. The outcome of this lawsuit, whether dismissed or pursued further, could set a precedent for how political leaders interact with the media and influence public discourse.
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