Free speech group representing J. Ann Selzer against Trump lawsuit

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a free speech group, announced yesterday it will represent J. Ann Selzer pro bono against a lawsuit filed by President-elect Trump.

Catch up fast: Trump sued the Des Moines Register and its top pollster last month for "brazen election interference" and "fraud" over a poll the newspaper published showing him on track to lose Iowa in the 2024 presidential election, according to the complaint.

• The lawsuit alleges a violation of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, arguing that Trump and all Iowa and American voters were misled by the poll "for the improper purpose of deceptively influencing the outcome of the 2024 presidential election."

Driving the news: In a news release, FIRE said Trump's lawsuit distorts the intention of Iowa's consumer fraud law, which is meant to target sellers who make false statements.

• The group points out that Selzer's methodology for the 2024 poll was similar to 2016 and 2020, when she correctly predicted that Trump would win Iowa.

What they're saying: "Donald Trump is abusing the legal system to punish speech he dislikes," FIRE attorney Adam Steinbaugh wrote in a statement.

• "If you have to pay lawyers and spend time in court to defend your free speech, then you don't have free speech."

What's next: The Register, Gannett and Selzer are facing another lawsuit filed on behalf of a resident in Polk County that also alleges they engaged in consumer fraud, KCCI reports.