Could Trump Actually Triumph in Court Against J. Ann Selzer for Being Wrong About Iowa in ‘Willful and Wanton’ Poll?

The president-elect cites a consumer fraud statute to argue that he was wronged by an inaccurate poll.

 Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Trump acknowledges supporters during his caucus night event at the Iowa Events Center on January 15, 2024 at Des Moines, Iowa. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President-elect Trump’s lawsuit against the newspaper publisher Gannett, the Des Moines Register, and Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer could at first seem as likely to prosper as suing a weatherman for being wrong about the rain — save for a Hawkeye State statute that could bolster the 47th president’s chances.

The suit comes on the heels of Trump reaching a $15 million settlement with ABC News after star anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed multiple times on his Sunday program, “This Week,” that Trump had been found liable for rape. A New York jury had found Trump liable for defamation and sexual abuse of the writer, E. Jean Carroll, but specifically determined that he was not liable for rape.

Enter your email to read this article.

Get 2 free articles when you subscribe.

or
Have an account? This is also a sign-in form.
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use