Judge rules Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems in lawsuit
- A Delaware judge ruled that Newsmax made false claims about Dominion Voting Systems regarding the 2020 election.
- Dominion is seeking $1.6 billion in damages with a trial scheduled for April 28, 2025.
- Newsmax has crossed swords with several lawsuits due to its reporting practices, raising questions about media accountability.
In the United States, a Delaware judge, Eric Davis, concluded that the conservative media outlet Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems through false reporting. The judge's ruling determined that Newsmax's claims about Dominion rigging the 2020 presidential election were untrue, significantly damaging Dominion's reputation. The case, initiated in 2021, is now seeking $1.6 billion in damages, with a trial set to begin on April 28, 2025. This ruling follows a similar lawsuit in which Dominion secured a historic $787.5 million settlement from Fox News, showcasing the ongoing legal battles surrounding misinformation related to the 2020 elections. Judge Davis highlighted how Newsmax's broadcasts included serious allegations against Dominion, such as connections to Venezuelan corruption and vote manipulation, which he found to be wholly unfounded. The judge emphasized that the evidence demonstrated that Newsmax's reporting would lead reasonable viewers to infer unfavorably about Dominion Voting Systems. Newsmax has publicly stated that they believe they provided fair coverage and characterized the court's ruling as a threat to free speech and press freedoms. As Newsmax prepares for its trial, the company faces growing financial pressure, with its stock recently falling over 10%. It’s notable that the network had also settled a defamation case with another voting technology firm, Smartmatic, for $40 million. The outcome of upcoming proceedings collectively underscores the media’s legal liabilities for spreading false information about electoral processes in the United States. With the rising stakes, and the public scrutiny of media narratives surrounding the 2020 election, this case may have significant implications not just for the companies involved, but also for the wider media landscape and its accountability in reporting. Furthermore, Trump's actions against law firms supporting Dominion further complicate this scenario, illustrating the intertwining of media, politics, and law.