The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has stepped in to defend Iowa pollster Ann Selzer against a lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, alleging consumer fraud over a controversial poll published in November, The Hill reported.
FIRE announced on Tuesday that it will represent Selzer in a lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump. The case centers on a November poll published in the Des Moines Register that showed Trump trailing Vice President Kamala Harris.
The defense argues that the lawsuit, filed under Iowa's consumer fraud statute, violates fundamental constitutional principles, specifically those protecting free speech. The organization released a statement calling the lawsuit "entirely meritless" and describing it as a "SLAPP suit" — a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.
"The lawsuit is the very definition of a 'SLAPP' suit," FIRE stated. "Such tactical claims are filed purely for the purpose of imposing punishing litigation costs on perceived opponents, not because they have any merit or stand any chance of success. In other words, the lawsuit is the punishment."
The legal filing by Trump's attorneys alleges that the poll was intentionally manipulated to deceive voters.
"Millions of Americans, including Plaintiff, residents of Iowa, and Iowans who contributed to President Trump's Campaign and its affiliated entities (the 'Trump 2024 Campaign'), were deceived by the doctored Harris Poll," the filing states.
Trump's legal team also cited his comments on Truth Social, in which he accused Selzer of causing "great distrust and uncertainty at a very critical time."
Selzer, however, has maintained her innocence, denying any intention to skew results.
In a public interview on PBS's "Iowa Press," Selzer expressed disbelief at the allegations. "I am mystified about what the motivation anybody thinks I had and would act on in such a public poll," she said.
"So the idea that I intentionally set up to deliver this response, when I've never done that before — I've had plenty of opportunities to do it — it's not my ethic," she added.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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