Trump Targets Des Moines Register, Pollster J Ann Selzer, Sues Them For Election Interference

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President-elect Donald Trump is taking legal action against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, J. Ann Selzer, accusing them of election interference. The lawsuit, filed just days after Trump’s victory in Iowa, challenges a poll released by the Register on November 2. The poll showed Kamala Harris leading by three points, but Trump ultimately won Iowa by a 13-point margin. Trump claims the poll misled voters and harmed his campaign, turning it into a global story just before Election Day.

Trump’s motives for the lawsuit align with his longstanding strategy of targeting critics and perceived opponents. Former fixer Michael Cohen describes these lawsuits as a way to intimidate and control the narrative. Trump has framed the suit as a fight against biased reporting, insisting that Selzer and the Register acted intentionally to sway voter opinion.

A Poll That Shook Iowa’s Election Night

The Des Moines Register poll, widely regarded as a benchmark in Iowa politics, turned heads when it predicted a narrow Harris lead. J. Ann Selzer, celebrated for her accuracy in past elections, faced backlash when the poll missed the mark so dramatically. The outcome—Trump’s decisive 13-point win—contradicted the poll’s findings, leading to accusations of flawed methodology and political bias.

Iowa Republicans seized on the poll’s inaccuracy, using it to rally conservative voters. At a GOP watch party, party chair Jeff Kauffman labeled the poll a “sham” and credited it for motivating Republicans to turn out in larger numbers. However, political analysts have dismissed claims of intentional interference, pointing out that even the best pollsters occasionally misjudge outcomes.

Who Is J. Ann Selzer, and Why Does She Matter?

Ann Selzer is no ordinary pollster. Known for her uncanny ability to predict election outcomes, she has long been a trusted voice in political forecasting. Her partnership with the Des Moines Register elevated the paper’s reputation, with her polls earning an A+ rating from analysts like Nate Silver.

The 2024 poll, however, was a glaring misstep. Selzer admitted it was a “spectacular miss” but maintained that her methodology had not changed. She announced her retirement shortly after the election, marking an end to a career that had accurately forecasted five of the last six presidential elections. Despite the controversy, her legacy as one of America’s top pollsters remains significant.

Trump’s Legal Gambit: Accountability or Intimidation?

Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register is part of a broader pattern of legal action against media outlets. In recent months, Trump has sued ABC, CBS, and even the Pulitzer Board, accusing them of defamation and election interference. Critics argue that these lawsuits are intended to silence dissent, while Trump claims they are necessary to hold media entities accountable.

Legal experts believe Trump faces an uphill battle. Under U.S. law, public figures must prove “actual malice” to win defamation cases, a standard that requires evidence of intentional wrongdoing. While the Register and Selzer deny any malicious intent, the lawsuit could still be costly, forcing the paper to defend its reputation and practices.

What The Des Moines Lawsuit Means for Polling and Media Trust

The lawsuit raises questions about the future of political polling and media credibility. Polls have long been a fixture of American elections, but high-profile misses like this one fuel skepticism among voters. For media organizations like the Des Moines Register, the case serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in publishing pre-election polls.

As Trump prepares to take office, his legal battles with the press will likely continue to shape his presidency. For the Register and J. Ann Selzer, the challenge will be rebuilding trust while defending their practices against allegations of bias and interference.

Will Trump’s lawsuit against the J Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register reshape how polls are conducted and reported? Tell us what you think!

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