Newsmax Settles Defamation Case for Spreading False Claims About 2020 Election
Introduction
In a major defamation case, Newsmax, a conservative network, has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit over false claims made about the 2020 election. The settlement was announced on Monday and involves accusations that the network spread lies about President Donald Trump's loss in the election. This comes after similar accusations were made against Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, who was also sued for making false claims about the election. This settlement marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against misinformation and false claims that have plagued the 2020 election.
Key Details
The lawsuit was filed by Dominion Voting Systems, a company that provides voting equipment, and accused Newsmax of spreading false information about their machines being used to rig the election in favor of Joe Biden. The company has also filed lawsuits against other networks and individuals, including former Trump lawyer, Sidney Powell. This settlement is a major win for Dominion and serves as a warning to other networks and individuals who spread false information without evidence. It also highlights the importance of holding media outlets accountable for their role in spreading misinformation.
Impact
The settlement also serves as a reminder of the power of media and the responsibility that comes with it. With the rise of social media and the spread of fake news, it is crucial for media outlets to fact-check and verify information before sharing it with the public. This case also brings
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., commonly known as Joe Biden, is the 46th President of the United States, serving from 2021 to 2025. Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden moved to Delaware with his family in 1953. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1965 and Syracuse University Law School in 1968. Before entering national politics, Biden served on the New Castle County Council and later became one of the youngest U.S. Senators at the age of 29, representing Delaware from 1973 to 2009. During his Senate career, Biden chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and Foreign Relations Committee. He played a crucial role in drafting several significant pieces of legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Biden also oversaw several U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings. In 2008, he was chosen by Barack Obama as his vice presidential running mate, serving two terms as the 47th Vice President of the United States. In 2020, Biden won the presidential election, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump. As President, he focused on rebuilding America's international leadership and implementing policies to address economic recovery and social issues. Biden's presidency concluded on January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump returned to office. Recently, Biden announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. Despite his health challenges, Biden remains a figure of national interest, with ongoing discussions about his political legacy and influence. His dedication to public service and his efforts to expand opportunities for Americans have been central themes throughout his career.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Newsmax
Newsmax, Inc., founded in 1998 by journalist Christopher Ruddy, is an American multimedia company specializing in cable news, political opinion commentary, and digital media. It operates Newsmax TV, a cable news channel launched in 2014, along with its website Newsmax.com, which includes sections like Newsmax Health and Newsmax Finance, and a monthly print magazine. The company went public in March 2025 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with additional offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.[1][2][3][5] Newsmax TV quickly grew as a conservative media outlet, positioning itself as a competitor to Fox News by recruiting former Fox personalities such as Rob Schmitt, Greg Kelly, and Bill O’Reilly. It primarily targets a right-wing and conservative audience, often providing coverage that other mainstream outlets consider more far-right. The network has expanded its reach to over 40 million Americans regularly and is the fourth highest-rated cable news channel in the U.S. It also began broadcasting in the UK in 2023 via Freeview Connect.[1][2][4] Newsmax is known for its strong conservative stance, particularly during and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where it supported Donald Trump and conservative government officials. It has earned a reputation as a platform for conservative viewpoints and is recognized as a significant player in the U.S. media landscape by outlets like Forbes and Reuters Institute.[2][4] The company operates in a highly competitive industry, contending with traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, and social media for audiences and advertising revenue. Newsmax continues to adapt by expanding its digital presence through streaming channels, social media, and apps, aiming to maintain and grow its audience amid evolving media consumption habits.[3][6] Notably, Newsmax serves as a landing spot for cable news personalities who have faced controversies elsewhere, reflecting its role as a dynamic and sometimes controversial force in conservative media.
Dominion Voting Systems
## Overview of Dominion Voting Systems Dominion Voting Systems was a leading North American company specializing in the development and sale of electronic voting hardware and software. Founded in 2003 as a Canadian company, it later shifted its headquarters to the United States, maintaining offices in Denver, Colorado, and Toronto, Ontario. ### History and Operations Dominion focused on creating innovative election management solutions, including touchscreen voting machines, ballot printers, and ballot scanners. Its products were designed to streamline the electoral process, making it faster and more efficient. By 2020, Dominion's voting systems were used by over 40% of American voters across 28 states, including key swing states during the U.S. presidential election[1][2]. ### Key Achievements - **Election Technology Innovation**: Dominion pioneered the use of ballot-marking devices, allowing voters to mark their choices on a touch screen and print a paper record for verification and scanning[1]. - **Global Reach**: Its voting machines were used not only in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries, showcasing its global influence in election technology[2]. ### Current Status In 2025, Dominion Voting Systems was sold to Liberty Vote, a new election company founded and run by Scott Leiendecker, a former Republican election official. This marks a significant shift in the company's ownership and operations[2][3]. Liberty Vote aims to transform and improve election integrity in America, signaling a new era for the technology and services once provided by Dominion[3]. ### Notable Aspects - **Controversy and Litigation**: Dominion was at the center of false conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 U.S. presidential election, leading to defamation lawsuits against media outlets and individuals. The company successfully settled several high-profile cases, including a $787 million settlement with Fox News[3][5]. - **Election Integrity**: Despite controversies, Dominion's voting systems were extensively tested and validated by election authorities and cybersecurity experts,
Fox News
## Overview Fox News, formally known as the Fox News Channel (FNC), is a leading American cable and satellite news network, renowned for its conservative-leaning commentary and round-the-clock news coverage. Launched in 1996 under the vision of Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes, it quickly established itself as a major force in U.S. media, challenging established networks with a distinctive blend of news reporting and opinion programming[2]. Today, Fox News is a flagship asset of Fox Corporation, a multinational mass media company controlled by the Murdoch family[1][6]. ## What Fox News Does Fox News delivers 24-hour news coverage, combining live reporting with opinion-driven shows that emphasize conservative perspectives[2][3]. Its programming spans breaking news, political analysis, business updates, and lifestyle content, reaching audiences via television, digital platforms, audio, and streaming services such as Fox Nation[3][7]. Fox News Media also operates Fox Business Network, Fox News Digital, Fox News Audio, and Fox Weather, collectively reaching nearly 200 million people monthly[3][7]. ## History and Growth Fox News launched on October 7, 1996, with innovative visual storytelling and a focus on personality-driven shows, setting it apart from competitors[2]. Despite initial challenges gaining carriage in major markets, it rapidly grew its audience by catering to viewers seeking an alternative to mainstream, left-leaning news outlets[2]. Over the years, it has expanded its digital footprint, launching streaming platforms and dominating social media metrics—most recently logging 1.1 billion YouTube views in a single quarter, more than any other U.S. news brand[7]. ## Key Achievements Fox News has been the most-watched cable news channel for over 23 consecutive years, routinely outperforming not only CNN and MSNBC but also broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS in primetime ratings[6][8]. Its top programs—*Fox & Friends*, *The Five
