By Isabella Simonetti

A Delaware judge ruled Wednesday that Newsmax made false and defamatory statements against Dominion Voting Systems with on-air claims that the voting-machine company helped rig the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis said Newsmax's statements about Dominion "suggest that Dominion engaged in criminal activity by aiding in election fraud," and that the statements attacked the integrity of Dominion's business.

The judge said that even though the statements were defamatory, Dominion would need to prove damages at trial. He also said he couldn't issue summary judgment on questions about whether Newsmax's statements were made with actual malice. A trial is slated to begin April 28.

A Dominion spokesperson said the company was gratified by the court's ruling.

A Newsmax spokesman said that Newsmax covered the 2020 election dispute fairly and didn't defame Dominion.

"This case represents a serious threat to free speech and a free press and Newsmax will defend itself vigorously at trial," he added.

Newsmax settled a lawsuit last year brought by Smartmatic, another voting-technology company, over false claims that Smartmatic helped rig the 2020 presidential election. It said last month it would pay $40 million in that settlement.

Dominion, meanwhile, settled a defamation lawsuit in 2023 with Fox News over false claims about the 2020 election. Fox agreed to pay $787.5 million in that settlement.

Fox News parent Fox Corp. and The Wall Street Journal parent News Corp share common ownership.

Shares of Newsmax began trading publicly last week, surging in their first days of trading. On Wednesday, shares closed down more than 11% at $34.71, while overall markets rallied.

Write to Isabella Simonetti at isabella.simonetti@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 09, 2025 21:04 ET (01:04 GMT)

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