President-elect Donald J. Trump has filed a lawsuit against The Des Moines Register for running a pre-election poll that showed him trailing Vice President Kamala Harris. This legal action is part of Trump’s broader campaign of seeking retribution against the mainstream media and his political enemies. Trump has also indicated a desire to prosecute President Biden, his family, special counsel Jack Smith, and Liz Cheney. This move is seen as a warning shot to journalists about potential retaliation they might face.
As Trump prepares to take office again, he will have the levers of government, the support of a more pliant Republican Party, and a well-funded external political apparatus at his disposal. Legal expert Samantha Barbas believes that Trump is waging war on the press and using any legal claim he thinks might stick to carry out his vendetta. She suggests that these lawsuits are more about threatening than winning in court.
Overall, Trump’s lawsuits against the media are setting the stage for a contentious relationship between his administration and journalists. The outcome of these legal battles may not necessarily be the primary goal, but rather a means of sending a message and intimidating those he perceives as his adversaries.
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