Trump sues Des Moines Register, top pollster for ‘brazen election interference,’ fraud over Harris poll
President-elect Donald Trump is taking legal action against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, J. Ann Selzer, for what he has described as “brazen election interference” and fraud. The lawsuit, filed in Polk County, Iowa, alleges that the final 2024 presidential poll conducted by Selzer and published by the Des Moines Register showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump in Iowa, despite his eventual victory in the state by more than 13 percentage points.
The lawsuit specifically targets Selzer and the parent company of the Des Moines Register, Gannett, for their role in releasing the poll just three days before the election, which showed Harris leading Trump by three points. Trump’s attorneys argue that this poll was a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the election and create a false narrative of inevitability for Harris.
According to the lawsuit, Selzer’s prediction of Harris leading in deep-red Iowa was not based on reality but rather on manipulated data designed to favor the Democratic candidate. This, in turn, caused substantial harm to consumers who were misled about the actual state of the race.
The lawsuit also highlights Selzer’s retirement from polling less than two weeks after the election, suggesting that her credibility suffered as a result of the inaccurate poll. Trump’s attorneys argue that left-wing pollsters like Selzer have been engaging in similar deceptive practices to influence electoral outcomes.
In addition to seeking damages, the lawsuit demands an injunction against the defendants’ deceptive practices, disclosure of information related to the poll, and attorneys’ fees and costs associated with the case. Trump’s legal team is determined to hold the Des Moines Register and Selzer accountable for their alleged election interference.
This legal action comes on the heels of a $15 million settlement between Trump and ABC News over a defamation lawsuit filed by the president-elect. The settlement required ABC News to issue a statement of regret and make a charitable contribution to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Trump.
Overall, these legal battles represent a concerted effort by Trump and his legal team to address what they see as deceptive and misleading practices in the media. With ongoing lawsuits against other news outlets like CBS News, it is clear that the president-elect is committed to fighting against what he perceives as election interference and defamation.
