The Newsmax Dominion defamation case has come to a dramatic end with the conservative television network agreeing to pay $67 million to settle accusations of spreading false claims about the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Dominion Voting Systems, the Denver-based voting technology company, filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Newsmax deliberately broadcast “verifiably false lies” about election fraud in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s loss to Joe Biden. Dominion claimed these reports caused serious financial and reputational damage to the company.
Dominion’s Legal Battle Against False Claims
Dominion had initially sought a staggering $1.6 billion in damages, accusing Newsmax of amplifying conspiracy theories that suggested voting machines were manipulated to rig the 2020 election.
Although Dominion and other election technology firms have been the subject of disinformation campaigns, this lawsuit marked one of the most high-profile legal battles involving a major conservative news outlet.
The case gained momentum after Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled that Newsmax did indeed defame Dominion. However, the judge left it up to a jury to decide whether Newsmax acted with “actual malice”, meaning it knowingly spread lies, and how much in damages should be awarded. The trial was set to begin in October, but the settlement stopped it from moving forward.
Why Newsmax Chose to Settle
In a public statement, Newsmax admitted to the settlement but defended its journalism, insisting that its coverage of election disputes was both “fair and balanced.”
The network accused the court of unfair treatment, claiming that Judge Davis’s rulings consistently favored Dominion and “limited Newsmax’s ability to defend itself.” Newsmax argued that a “pattern of judicial rulings” had left the company without faith in receiving a fair trial.
Despite the settlement, Newsmax emphasized that it continues to stand by its reporting of the 2020 election, saying it believed it was “critically important for the American people to hear both sides of the election disputes.”
Not the First Settlement for Newsmax
This was not the first time Newsmax faced costly litigation over its election coverage. In 2023, the network paid $40 million to settle a similar defamation lawsuit brought by another voting technology company, Smartmatic.
These cases highlight a troubling pattern of misinformation lawsuits against conservative media outlets, forcing them to pay hefty sums to avoid prolonged trials and potentially larger judgments.
The Bigger Picture: Fox News and Dominion
The Newsmax Dominion defamation case echoes the much larger lawsuit Dominion filed against Fox News, which ended in a record-breaking $787.5 million settlement in 2023.
Like Newsmax, Fox was accused of broadcasting baseless claims that Dominion’s voting machines helped rig the election against Trump. The massive payout shocked the media industry and underscored the legal risks of repeating unverified conspiracy theories.
These settlements not only represent financial blows but also serve as warning shots to media outlets about the consequences of spreading misinformation.
The Legal Significance of the Case
The Delaware court’s rulings played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Newsmax Dominion defamation case. By confirming that Newsmax defamed Dominion, the court narrowed the scope of what the trial would address, leaving the main question to whether the network acted with malice.
Experts believe that had the case gone to trial, Dominion might have secured a significantly larger financial award. Facing that risk, Newsmax opted for a settlement.
For Dominion, the case reinforces its legal strategy of aggressively pursuing defamation claims to protect its reputation in the face of election misinformation.
Election Misinformation and Its Consequences
The lawsuit underscores the wider problem of disinformation in U.S. elections. False claims of voter fraud and manipulated machines not only damaged Dominion but also eroded public trust in democracy.
Media watchdogs argue that outlets like Newsmax and Fox amplified baseless narratives to cater to partisan audiences, regardless of the long-term damage to the democratic process.
The financial settlements, though substantial, cannot undo the spread of lies. However, they do signal a turning point in holding media organizations accountable for knowingly promoting conspiracy theories.
Dominion’s Ongoing Legal Fight
While the Newsmax Dominion defamation case has been resolved, Dominion continues to pursue lawsuits against other individuals and organizations that played a role in spreading false election claims.
The company’s aggressive litigation strategy aims not only to recover financial losses but also to send a message that disinformation has consequences.
With billions of dollars at stake across multiple lawsuits, Dominion’s legal campaign is reshaping the boundaries of media accountability in America.
Final Thoughts
The settlement of the Newsmax Dominion defamation case for $67 million represents yet another major chapter in the legal fallout of the 2020 U.S. election.
For Newsmax, it’s a costly reminder that amplifying unverified claims carries steep risks. For Dominion, it’s a victory in a broader fight to defend its credibility against waves of conspiracy theories.
And for the American public, it’s a cautionary tale about the power of misinformation, and the high price of spreading it.
