Donald Trump Files Lawsuit Against Des Moines Register Over Pre-Election Poll

 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register newspaper and its pollster, J. Ann Selzer, accusing them of consumer fraud and election interference. The legal action, filed in Polk County, Iowa, on Monday, alleges misconduct related to a November 2 poll that showed Kamala Harris leading Trump by three percentage points in Iowa shortly before the 2024 presidential election.

Trump's lawsuit claims that the poll’s findings were not an error but a deliberate act to influence the election outcome. It states that Selzer’s polling “miss” was intentional, quoting Trump’s remarks: “She knew exactly what she was doing.” Despite the poll’s findings, Trump ultimately won Iowa by 13 percentage points and defeated Harris in the national election.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction to prevent the newspaper from engaging in what Trump alleges are deceptive and misleading polling practices. Gannett, the parent company of the Des Moines Register, is also named in the lawsuit.

In a statement to Reuters, a Gannett spokesperson defended the pollster and the newspaper, calling the lawsuit baseless. They emphasized their commitment to accurate reporting and data analysis.

The lawsuit comes weeks after J. Ann Selzer announced her retirement from political polling. Selzer, known for her historically accurate polls in Iowa, stated that she was stepping away to pursue other ventures.

This legal action adds to a growing list of lawsuits Trump has filed against media organizations. During a press conference on Monday, Trump expressed his frustrations with the Des Moines Register, accusing the publication of creating a false narrative ahead of the election.

“I’m doing this because I feel I have an obligation,” Trump said. “This poll was the biggest story globally, and it was fraud, in my opinion.” He further criticized the press, calling it “very corrupt” and claimed that the poll influenced public perception to his detriment.

In addition to this lawsuit, Trump has ongoing legal battles against several media outlets, including CBS News, Simon & Schuster, and journalist Bob Woodward. These cases involve allegations ranging from deceitful editing to improper use of recordings.

Last week, ABC News, owned by Disney, agreed to a $15 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump. The settlement will fund a foundation and museum honoring Trump’s presidency.

This latest lawsuit highlights Trump’s continued challenges against the media and his broader effort to reshape perceptions of the press. Legal experts suggest that the case against the Des Moines Register will likely reignite debates over polling practices and their influence on electoral outcomes.