Trump Secures Legal Victory, Shifts Pollster Lawsuit to State Court
President Donald Trump achieved a significant legal victory concerning his lawsuit against Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register. The case will now proceed in Iowa State Court after an appeals court ruled in favor of the former president, stating that a lower court had exceeded its authority.
Background of the Lawsuit
In May, Trump’s legal team initially sought to transfer the case from federal to state court after the defendants moved it to federal jurisdiction. A federal judge denied the transfer request, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit later overruled that decision. The 8th Circuit issued a writ of mandamus, allowing Trump to refile the case.
Claims Against the Pollsters
- Trump’s lawsuit accuses Selzer and The Des Moines Register of “brazen election interference” during the final Iowa presidential poll.
- According to Trump, the polls misrepresented the election outcome, showing Kamala Harris leading him just days before the 2024 election.
- The lawsuit alleges that the poll aimed to create a “false narrative” of Harris’ dominance in polling, jeopardizing Trump’s campaign efforts.
Reactions to the Ruling
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the ruling, asserting that the case should be litigated in Iowa State Court. The spokesperson criticized the defendants for avoiding accountability and affirmed Trump’s commitment to addressing what they call misleading media narratives.
Conversely, Bob Corn-Revere, representing Selzer, described the 8th Circuit’s ruling as a procedural technicality, asserting the lawsuit remains frivolous. Lark-Marie Antón, a spokesperson for Gannett, also commented, maintaining that federal courts should handle such high-profile cases and expressing confidence in a fair state court process.
Election Poll Impact
Selzer’s poll, released shortly before the election, inaccurately indicated Harris had a three-point lead over Trump in Iowa. In contrast, Trump ultimately secured a decisive victory, winning Iowa by over 13 percentage points. This was his third consecutive win in the state, marking a significant achievement in the political landscape.
Following the election, Selzer announced her withdrawal from future election polling, stating she would pursue other opportunities.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding polling accuracy and political narratives as Trump seeks to hold those he believes are manipulating public perception accountable.
