Newsmax settled a defamation lawsuit with Smartmatic for $40 million, a figure disclosed in a recent financial filing. The settlement resolves claims that Newsmax falsely accused Smartmatic of election fraud during the 2020 election cycle. Newsmax has paid $20 million to date, and offered Smartmatic stock as part of the agreement. This settlement follows similar actions by other news outlets, including One America News, and is part of a broader legal battle examining the intersection of free speech and defamation regarding election misinformation. The case against Fox News is still ongoing.
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In March 2025, a video surfaced showing President Trump stating, “They rigged the election, and I became president,” during a press conference with FIFA President Infantino. The authenticity of the video is confirmed, but the specific election referenced—either 2020 or 2024—remains unclear. The statement was made during a press conference announcing a White House task force for the 2026 World Cup. The remark spread rapidly across various social media platforms.
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Despite recent polls indicating a sharp decline in his approval ratings, Trump maintains he won the 2020 election by a landslide and currently enjoys record-high polling numbers. He attributes the purported Democratic distress to their perceived weakness and lack of confidence. Trump confidently predicts significant future wins for the country and a continued “Make America Great Again” agenda. This defiant statement on Truth Social directly counters negative media coverage.
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During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, repeatedly evaded questions regarding his loyalty to Trump and his plans for the agency. He notably refused to state whether Donald Trump won the 2020 election, instead citing President Biden’s certification and inauguration. Patel’s history of promoting conspiracy theories and disinformation, coupled with his nomination, raises serious concerns about the potential weaponization of the FBI and the undermining of election security. This mirrors similar behavior exhibited by other Trump appointees, such as Pam Bondi.
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President Trump’s revocation of security clearances from over 50 former intelligence officials is unprecedented in scale and scope, exceeding actions taken by previous administrations. This action, targeting individuals who signed a letter critical of Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 election and John Bolton for his memoir, is viewed by legal experts as a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent. The former officials contend their actions were within their rights as private citizens, while the White House claims the move restores institutional credibility. Critics argue the decision undermines established norms and erodes trust in government institutions.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report, released Tuesday, details irrefutable evidence of a criminal scheme by Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election. The report, based on extensive witness testimony and investigation, reveals Trump’s awareness of the falsity of his fraud claims and his efforts to obstruct justice through witness intimidation and executive privilege. Rep. Jamie Raskin highlighted the report’s findings, emphasizing Trump’s months-long plot to subvert election results and the House Republicans’ role in hindering accountability. Despite the Justice Department’s decision to drop the case, the report underscores the gravity of Trump’s actions.
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During her Senate confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, repeatedly avoided stating that Trump lost the 2020 election, despite acknowledging Joe Biden’s presidency. She deflected questions regarding evidence of election fraud and her potential handling of investigations into Trump’s associates, including Jack Smith and Liz Cheney. Bondi emphasized her commitment to the Constitution and non-partisan justice, but her responses raised concerns about her independence from Trump’s influence. Her confirmation could lead to a Justice Department significantly shaped by Trump’s legal team and allies.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Donald Trump’s election interference has been released, concluding that sufficient evidence existed for a conviction had Trump not been president. The report details Trump’s alleged attempts to subvert the election results after lawful challenges failed. Trump vehemently denied the report’s findings, issuing a series of false and misleading statements online. Despite having access to a draft report for over a week, Trump’s response consisted of unsubstantiated accusations and claims of a politically motivated prosecution. A separate report regarding classified documents remains pending.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report details the investigation into President-elect Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election, concluding that sufficient evidence existed for conviction. However, Trump’s subsequent election rendered prosecution impossible due to Department of Justice policy against indicting sitting presidents. The report also reveals consideration of more serious charges under the Insurrection Act, ultimately forgone. Despite Trump’s legal challenges and claims of a politically motivated investigation, the report was released, detailing threats against witnesses and officials stemming from Trump’s public statements.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report concludes that Donald Trump’s actions to overturn the 2020 election constituted criminal efforts to retain power, including attempts to induce state officials to falsify vote counts and pressure the Vice President. Had Trump not won the 2024 election, the report asserts sufficient evidence existed for a conviction. Trump vehemently denies the findings, attacking Smith’s integrity and alleging the House Select Committee illegally destroyed evidence. Smith, having resigned, defended his investigation’s impartiality and adherence to the law.
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John Q. Hosedrinker