The pro-Trump American news channel Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million (€57.4 million) to Dominion Voting Systems, the electronic voting machine company it defamed by spreading false claims of election fraud after the 2020 presidential election, according to an official filing released Monday, August 18.

Dominion had accused several conservative outlets of falsely alleging that its machines were used to “steal” the election from Donald Trump — claims the former president still refuses to accept despite Joe Biden’s certified victory.

Another Major Payout After Fox News

This settlement follows Dominion’s landmark victory against Fox News, which in April 2023 paid $787.5 million to avoid trial in a similar defamation case.

In the Newsmax lawsuit, Dominion had originally sought $1.6 billion in damages.

Newsmax’s Explanation

In a statement, Newsmax said it pursued a financial settlement because it believed it “would not have received a fair trial” before the Delaware judge assigned to the case — in Biden’s home state where the complaint was filed.

“We continue to affirm that our coverage was fair, balanced, and conducted within journalistic standards,” the network added.

Payment Terms

According to a filing submitted Monday to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Newsmax already paid $27 million to Dominion on Friday and will pay the remaining balance in two installments, due in 2026 and 2027.

A Company at the Heart of Trump’s Big Lie

Dominion Voting Systems became a household name after Trump and his allies accused the company of rigging the 2020 election. Numerous lawsuits and audits have since proven those claims baseless, but the conspiracy theories fueled a wave of disinformation that continues to shape U.S. politics.

By securing a second major legal victory — after the Fox settlement — Dominion has reinforced its stance that lies about the integrity of American elections carry a steep cost.