Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Pollster After $15M ABC Settlement

Dec 17, 2024, 05:26 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has sued the Des Moines Register and its pollster Ann Selzer, alleging 'brazen election interference' and fraud over a pre-election poll that showed Kamala Harris leading in Iowa. The poll, released three days before the election and indicating Harris ahead by three percentage points, was 'contrary to reality' and an attempt to influence the outcome, according to the lawsuit. Trump ultimately won Iowa by more than 13 percentage points. The Des Moines Register acknowledged the discrepancy by releasing the poll's full methodology. Legal experts have called the lawsuit frivolous and a direct assault on the First Amendment. The lawsuit follows ABC News's agreement to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump earlier this year, which has caused concern among media outlets. ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos was reportedly involved in the settlement. Trump has also indicated plans to pursue additional legal action against other news outlets, including CBS News and journalist Bob Woodward, and has threatened to sue social media influencers for defamation. Media figures have expressed alarm over these actions, viewing them as attacks on press freedom.