Trump Withdraws Lawsuit Against Iowa Pollster Over Controversial Survey
Former President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw a lawsuit against Iowa pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register regarding a contentious pre-election poll. This survey, published just days before the 2024 election, indicated that Vice President Kamala Harris held a notable lead over Trump in Iowa, with a three-point margin favoring the Democratic nominee.
Details of the Lawsuit Withdrawal
Documents filed in federal court on Monday revealed that Trump’s legal team, along with Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks and former state senator Bradley Zaun, withdrew the case “without prejudice.” This legal term implies that the lawsuit could potentially be refiled in the future.
Background on the Poll’s Findings
- Poll Results: The Selzer poll suggested Vice President Harris was ahead by three points.
- Outcome: Contrary to the poll’s projections, Trump won Iowa by a substantial 13-point margin, highlighting a 16-point discrepancy between the poll and the actual election results.
Allegations of Election Interference
Trump’s original complaint alleged “brazen election interference,” claiming that the poll was misleading and damaging to his campaign. Attorneys for Trump argued that the poll contributed to a “false narrative of inevitability” for Harris leading up to the election.
Claims Under Iowa’s Consumer Fraud Law
In the lawsuit, Trump’s legal team contended that:
- The poll constituted an “unfair act or practice” under Iowa’s consumer fraud law.
- The inaccuracies caused significant harm to consumers that could not be outweighed by any potential benefits.
Quote from Trump’s Legal Team:
“Defendants and their cohorts in the Democrat Party hoped that the Harris Poll would create a false narrative of inevitability for Harris… Instead, the Election was a monumental victory for President Trump.”
First Amendment Defense by Selzer’s Team
In defense, Selzer’s attorneys, supported by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, argued that the lawsuit represented an unconstitutional attempt to intimidate the press. Lead counsel Robert Corn-Revere strongly criticized the lawsuit as “about as unconstitutional as it gets,” emphasizing its implications for journalistic freedom.
Strong Legal Counterarguments
- Motion to Dismiss: Filed by Selzer’s legal team, the motion argued that the lawsuit’s claims were “fatally flawed on every level.”
- Press Rights Protection: The defense highlighted the importance of safeguarding press rights and the potential chilling effect that such lawsuits could have on independent journalism.
No Settlement Negotiations
Despite speculation regarding a possible settlement between Trump and Selzer, sources confirm that the withdrawal of the lawsuit did not involve any financial agreement or conditions.
Current Legal Pursuits by Trump
The dismissal of this lawsuit arrives as Trump pursues a $20 billion claim against CBS News over a controversial "60 Minutes" interview featuring Harris. Rumblings of a potential settlement are circulating, especially as CBS’s parent company, Paramount, is undergoing a merger that necessitates federal approval.
Conclusion
Trump’s decision to drop the lawsuit against Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register illustrates the complexities involved in political polling and the legal battles that can ensue from electoral outcomes. As discussions continue about the integrity of polling practices and First Amendment rights, observers will be keen to see how these legal disputes unfold in the constantly evolving political landscape.
