Newsmax, a conservative news network, will pay $67 million to settle a defamation case brought by Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems. The settlement relates to false statements aired by Newsmax about the 2020 presidential election.
Dominion sued Newsmax and other media outlets in 2021 after false claims suggested its voting machines switched votes from Donald Trump to Joe Biden. The company argued these claims damaged its reputation and endangered employees.
John Poulos, CEO of Dominion, said the lawsuit was necessary because Newsmax and others showed no regret for spreading these statements. He explained that disinformation against the company and its staff has continued.
“So unfortunately, the disinformation continues. And the targeted harassment of our employees and our customers and election officials at large continues,” Poulos said. The comments highlight ongoing concerns about election-related misinformation.
Newsmax, in settling the case, did not admit wrongdoing. The company maintains its 2020 election coverage followed professional journalism standards, and it called its reporting fair and balanced.
Colorado’s Democratic Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, welcomed the settlement. She said false election claims destabilize public trust and may incite violence. Griswold hopes the resolution discourages others from broadcasting similar conspiracy theories.
“Election lies destabilize our elections and incite violence. Hopefully, this settlement will prevent others from following in the footsteps of knowingly broadcasting election conspiracy theories in the future,” Griswold said.
According to SEC filings, Newsmax has already made a partial payment. The remaining amount will be paid in two installments by January 2027. The settlement ends the legal dispute between Newsmax and Dominion without a trial.
The case represents one of several lawsuits targeting media companies and personalities that promoted unverified claims about the 2020 election. Dominion has also pursued legal action against other outlets for similar reporting.
Observers say the settlement underscores the legal risks of spreading misinformation. It also signals the willingness of media organizations to resolve disputes even while denying wrongdoing.
Experts note that settlements like this do not only involve money but also set examples. They may encourage news outlets to double-check facts before broadcasting contentious information.
Newsmax’s coverage during the 2020 election drew criticism for echoing claims that Dominion’s machines altered vote totals. The network defended its reporting at the time, saying it covered public statements and claims made by politicians and other sources.
Dominion has consistently denied any issues with its voting systems. The company says its machines accurately tabulated votes in multiple states. Dominion emphasizes the safety and reliability of its technology.
The settlement also addresses concerns about threats to election workers. Dominion employees and election officials faced harassment after false claims circulated widely. Legal experts say such settlements can help restore confidence in election processes.
While Newsmax avoids admitting fault, the $67 million payment signals the seriousness of defamation claims in the current media environment. It highlights the growing importance of accuracy in reporting and fact-checking in political coverage.
Some media analysts see this case as a warning to other networks. Spreading unverified information about elections can result in large financial penalties, reputational damage, and ongoing scrutiny from regulators and the public.
Dominion’s legal action and settlements may also affect public understanding of the 2020 election. Experts say lawsuits like this can clarify misinformation, giving voters more confidence in official election results.
As part of the resolution, Newsmax’s payment will be handled in installments. This financial arrangement allows the company to manage costs while fulfilling its legal obligations. The settlement closes the case without further court proceedings.
The Newsmax settlement represents a significant legal and financial moment in the ongoing debates about media responsibility, election integrity, and misinformation. Analysts will watch similar cases closely in the coming years.
Dominion’s pursuit of accountability emphasizes the potential consequences of spreading false information. The company hopes that the settlement discourages future false reporting and protects election officials and staff from harassment.
By resolving the dispute without admitting fault, Newsmax seeks to move past the legal challenges while maintaining its editorial stance. The network’s experience may influence how other news organizations handle controversial political coverage.
This case serves as a reminder of the role that media plays in shaping public perceptions. Accurate reporting is critical for democratic processes, and legal accountability can reinforce the need for truthfulness in journalism.
