Newsmax Settles Dominion Defamation Lawsuit
Analysis based on 14 articles · First reported Aug 18, 2025 · Last updated Aug 18, 2025
The settlement by Newsmax for $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems resolves a significant legal overhang for Newsmax, as evidenced by its stock rising 15%. This event reinforces the financial risks for media companies that broadcast unverified claims, potentially leading to more cautious reporting and increased legal scrutiny in the media industry.
Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems. The lawsuit accused Newsmax of spreading false claims about Dominion's voting machines rigging the 2020 U.S. presidential election in favor of Joe Biden against Donald Trump. This settlement follows a similar case where Fox News paid Dominion Voting Systems $787.5 million and Newsmax previously settled with Smartmatic for $40 million. Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric M. Davis had already ruled that Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems, leaving the amount of damages to be decided by a jury before the settlement was reached. Newsmax disclosed the settlement in a filing with the United States — United States Securities and Exchange Commission, stating payments will be made in three installments by January 15, 2027. Despite the settlement, Newsmax maintained its coverage was 'fair, balanced and conducted within professional standards of journalism.' Donald Trump continues to push claims about election fraud and has vowed to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines.
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