Trump Escalates Legal Battle Against New York Times Over Polling Allegations
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to incorporate the controversial Times Siena Poll into his ongoing lawsuit against The New York Times. Trump has leveled serious accusations against the publication, claiming it has engaged in the production of what he describes as "fake" and "fraudulent" polling data. According to Trump, this alleged misconduct is strategically designed to inflict political damage on him, particularly as the 2024 US presidential election approaches.
Truth Social Posts Detail Allegations of Bias and Deception
Through a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump articulated his grievances in detail. He characterized the Times Siena Poll as "always tremendously negative to me" and explicitly stated his legal strategy: "The Times Siena Poll, which is always tremendously negative to me… will be added to my lawsuit against The Failing New York Times." To bolster his case, Trump revealed that his legal team has issued a formal demand to the newspaper. They have instructed The New York Times to preserve all records pertaining to the methodology and computation behind the poll's results, emphasizing the need for transparency in what he views as a dubious process.
Claims of Political Bias and Intentional Skewing
Trump's allegations extend beyond mere inaccuracy. He asserts that the polling is not just flawed but intentionally skewed toward Democrats. In his posts, he accused the newspaper of disseminating "Radical Left lies and wrongdoing," suggesting a deliberate effort to undermine his political standing. This criticism is part of a broader pattern where Trump has frequently targeted mainstream media outlets and polling organizations, especially those that have shown him trailing in pre-election surveys. His rhetoric highlights a deep-seated distrust of traditional media institutions.
Calls for Legal Consequences Against Polling Practices
Trump further escalated his stance by advocating for stringent measures against what he perceives as deceptive polling. In a subsequent Truth Social post, he argued that "Fake and Fraudulent Polling should be, virtually, a criminal offense." He pointed to the 2020 election cycle, accusing major US media organizations of knowingly publishing incorrect polls with the intent to influence voter behavior. "They knew what they were doing, trying to influence the Election," Trump stated, reinforcing his belief in a coordinated effort to sway electoral outcomes through misleading data.
Reiteration of Election Victory Claims Amid Controversy
Amid these allegations, Trump reiterated his long-standing claims of electoral success, despite official results indicating otherwise. He asserted that he won the 2020 election in a landslide, including the popular vote and all seven swing states. "I won in a Landslide, including winning the Popular Vote, all 7 of the 7 Swing States," he wrote, adding that the Electoral College outcome was "a route." Trump also contrasted his alleged victories across thousands of US counties with what he described as misleading media coverage, further emphasizing his narrative of media bias.
Targeting of Major Media Outlets and Polling Organizations
Trump did not limit his criticism to The New York Times alone. He singled out several prominent news outlets and broadcasters, accusing them of consistently publishing flawed polling data. "If people examined The Failing New York Times, ABC Fake News, NBC Fake News, CBS Fake News, Low Ratings CNN, or the now defunct MSDNC, Polls were all fraudulent," he claimed. Additionally, he noted that even polling from Fox News and The Wall Street Journal had been "terrible" over the years, suggesting a widespread issue across the media landscape.
Criticism of American Journalism and Vow to Challenge Polling
Concluding his remarks, Trump expressed dismay over what he perceives as the decline of American journalism. "Isn't it sad what has happened to American Journalism," he wrote, lamenting the state of the industry. In a defiant tone, he vowed to take action against polling practices he deems fraudulent, stating that he would do "everything possible to keep this Polling SCAM from moving forward." This commitment underscores his determination to challenge not only specific polls but also the broader mechanisms of media-driven polling in US politics.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and mainstream media, with legal and political implications that could resonate through the upcoming election cycle. As Trump continues to leverage his platform to dispute polling accuracy, the debate over media integrity and electoral influence remains a contentious issue in American public discourse.
