Delaware Judge Rules Newsmax Aired False Claims About Dominion Voting Systems

A Delaware judge has ruled that Newsmax, a conservative news network, aired false and defamatory claims regarding Dominion Voting Systems’ involvement in the 2020 US presidential election.

The ruling, issued by Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis, is a significant development in Dominion’s ongoing $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against the media outlet.

In his opinion, Judge Davis stated that Dominion provided “clear and convincing evidence” showing that Newsmax broadcast segments with false information that could cause viewers to view Dominion in a highly unfavorable light. The claims aired by Newsmax accused the company of being involved in election rigging and falsely linked it to Venezuelan political figures. The judge also highlighted a mid-December 2020 clarification posted by Newsmax, which acknowledged that there was no evidence supporting the allegations of voter fraud.

While this ruling is a win for Dominion, the question of whether Newsmax will be held liable for defamation will ultimately be decided by a jury at trial, which is set to begin on April 28. The jury will also determine if Newsmax aired the false claims with “actual malice,” meaning whether the network knowingly spread false information or showed a reckless disregard for the truth.

In response to the ruling, Newsmax maintained that it did not defame Dominion and that it covered the 2020 election fairly, including airing a clarification segment. The network’s spokesperson characterized the lawsuit as a threat to free speech and stated that Newsmax would defend itself vigorously at trial.

This ruling follows a similar outcome in a defamation case Dominion brought against Fox News, which resulted in a $787.5 million settlement in 2023. Dominion also has a lawsuit against Smartmatic, another voting technology company, for similar defamation claims, which Newsmax settled for $40 million last year.

As the trial approaches, Newsmax faces not only potential damages from Dominion but also scrutiny over its previous broadcasts and legal defenses. The case continues to highlight the legal and financial consequences of broadcasting false claims related to the 2020 election, a dispute that has drawn attention to media responsibility and the impact of misinformation.

With input from NPR, CNN, and CNBC.