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Dominion Newsmax settlement reached

Dominion settles defamation suit with Newsmax for 67 million, with payments through 2027.

August 18, 2025 at 05:15 PM
blur Dominion Voting Systems settles defamation lawsuit with Newsmax over 2020 election claims

Dominion Voting Systems settles its defamation lawsuit with Newsmax for 67 million, with payments scheduled through 2027.

Dominion wins 67 million settlement against Newsmax over 2020 election claims

Dominion Voting Systems has reached a settlement with Newsmax in a defamation lawsuit tied to false claims about the 2020 election. The agreement, disclosed in an SEC filing, sets a total payment of 67 million to Dominion in three installments: 27 million due on August 15, 2025, 20 million by January 15, 2026, and 20 million by January 15, 2027. The case had been slated for trial in Delaware this fall. Dominion initially filed a 1.6 billion defamation suit in 2021 accusing Newsmax of manufacturing and broadcasting a series of verifiably false claims about Dominion’s role in election fraud. Newsmax defended its coverage as reporting on public allegations.

The settlement follows a broader pattern of payouts related to 2020 election misinformation. Dominion has previously settled with Fox News for 787 million and with Smartmatic for 40 million. Newsmax argued that its reporting reflected public statements by figures and met professional journalistic standards. The decision came after Newsmax criticized the presiding Delaware judge, alleging excessive discovery and procedural irregularities, while Dominion said it was pleased to resolve the matter and move forward.

Key Takeaways

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Settlement closes a legal chapter for Newsmax and Dominion
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Outlets face higher financial exposure from false election claims
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Newsmax will pay 27 million this year and the rest in coming years
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This fits a pattern of high settlements linked to 2020 election coverage
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Legal risk remains a factor for media outlets reporting on elections
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Public reactions and political optics will shape future coverage

"We are pleased to have settled this matter."

Dominion spokesperson statement about the settlement.

"we stand by our coverage as fair, balanced, and conducted within professional standards of journalism."

Newsmax on its reporting.

"Judge Davis would not provide a fair trial."

Newsmax critique of the judge overseeing the case.

"excessive discovery and procedural irregularities."

Newsmax critique of the judge's handling.

The deal underscores how far the fight over election misinformation has pushed into boardrooms and newsroom budgets. Settlements like this transfer risk away from courtrooms and onto corporate balance sheets, influencing how outlets approach coverage of politically charged claims. For media players, the case is a reminder that unchecked assertions about election integrity carry real costs, even when outlets defend their reporting as public record.

Yet the outcome may also shape newsroom norms differently. Some outlets might adopt tighter verification and sourcing standards to limit future exposure, while others could push back harder in defense of investigative claims. As Dominion presses ahead with other legal actions, the episode signals a continuing tension between aggressive reporting on elections and the legal risk that comes with it.

Highlights

  • Settlement ends a loud chapter in election reporting.
  • We stand by our coverage as fair and balanced.
  • Judge Davis would not provide a fair trial.
  • Excessive discovery and procedural irregularities.

Defamation settlement raises political and public reaction risks

The case sits at the intersection of media influence and electoral politics and could spark backlash among supporters and advertisers. It also adds to a pattern of settlements that shape how outlets report on elections.

The boundaries between reporting and advocacy continue to be tested in court.

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