Des Moines Ames, IA, September 24, 2026 — A Polk County judge has dismissed a lawsuit initiated by former President Donald Trump against the Des Moines Register and renowned pollster J. Ann Selzer. The legal action centered on allegations of consumer fraud stemming from an Iowa Poll conducted by Selzer for the Des Moines Register.

The lawsuit, filed by Trump, contended that the poll inaccurately predicted the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, constituting consumer fraud. The core of Trump’s claim was that the poll’s purported inaccuracies misled the public.

In a ruling issued recently, the judge dismissed the case, providing a clear rationale. The court determined that political polls, by their very nature, involve inherent uncertainties. Furthermore, the judge cited that such polls are protected under the umbrella of free speech. Given these factors, the court concluded that a poll could not legally be deemed fraudulent.

The Iowa Poll, conducted by Selzer & Associates, is a widely recognized and respected survey of public opinion in the state. The specific poll in question was designed to gauge voter sentiment leading up to the 2024 presidential election cycle.

The dismissal signifies a legal conclusion that the predictions or projections made in a poll do not meet the threshold for actionable fraud, particularly when considering their protected status as expressions of opinion and analysis rather than definitive factual statements. The contractor’s name for the legal team representing former President Donald Trump was not provided in the summary. The fine amount, if any was sought or imposed, was also not provided.

This ruling underscores the legal protections afforded to public opinion surveys and the challenges in litigating claims based on election forecasts.


Story summarized from the original created by Grant Gerlock on www.iowapublicradio.org, see more information here.

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