Politics
Iowa judge dismisses Trump lawsuit against Des Moines Register and pollster
The court ruled that a challenge over a 2024 election poll infringed on constitutionally protected speech.
The short version
- Iowa District Judge Scott J. Beattie dismissed a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against The Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer.[ABC News]
- The suit alleged consumer fraud over an October 2024 poll showing Kamala Harris leading in Iowa, where Trump ultimately won with 56% of the vote.[ABC News]
- The judge ruled that political polling coverage is protected under the First Amendment and fails to meet legal criteria for consumer fraud.[The Washington Sun]
Key facts
- Iowa District Judge Scott J. Beattie dismissed Donald Trump's lawsuit against The Des Moines Register, Gannett, and pollster J. Ann Selzer.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- The lawsuit alleged consumer fraud regarding a late October 2024 poll showing Kamala Harris leading Trump 47% to 44% in Iowa.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
- Trump won Iowa in the 2024 presidential election with 56% of the vote.[ABC News]
- The judge determined political polling coverage is protected under the First Amendment rather than subject to statutory commercial liabilities.[The Washington Sun · ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.