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In a recent court filing, it was revealed that Donald Trump has chosen to withdraw his lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and former pollster Ann Seltzer. This legal action stemmed from a 2024 poll indicating that Kamala Harris was leading in Iowa.
The court document stated, “Plaintiffs President Donald J. Trump, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Former State Senator Bradley Zaun, hereby notify the dismissal of this action without prejudice pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(1)(A)(i).” This dismissal means that Trump, Seltzer, and the newspaper did not reach any financial agreement—no $20 million payout to Trump’s “presidential library,” and certainly no apology was issued.
What’s significant about this development is not merely the cessation of legal jousting but what it represents: a media landscape where the steadfastness against intimidation can yield results. Trump’s withdrawal indicates that the defendants did not feel the need to capitulate, thereby refusing to settle a case that lacked merit.
In a world where media outlets often buckle under corporate pressure, it is refreshing to see The Des Moines Register and Seltzer stand their ground. Their refusal to cave in to Trump’s demands has broader implications for First Amendment rights and journalistic integrity, suggesting that when faced with intimidation, standing firm can indeed be the most effective strategy.
Historically, many corporations have opted to settle dubious lawsuits to maintain a favorable relationship with Trump, especially when mergers and acquisitions are on the line. A prominent example is CBS, whose parent company sought to appease Trump amid a settlement negotiation, despite the fact that 60 Minutes had done nothing wrong.
Trump’s failed attempt to manipulate polling results through intimidation tactics underscores a critical lesson: when the media asserts its independence, it sends a powerful message that bullying will not be tolerated. The Tribune Company, owner of The Des Moines Register, and Seltzer’s adherence to principle shows that not all entities are willing to sacrifice their integrity for short-term gain.
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