The 2020 election sparked ongoing disputes about its legitimacy. Judges, including those appointed by President Trump, dismissed lawsuits alleging fraud. Former Attorney General William Barr also denied claims of a stolen election. Despite this, Fox News hosts amplified unverified claims on air while privately admitting doubts. Their coverage helped fuel distrust, intensifying anger that culminated in the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
FOX’s $1.6 Billion Lawsuit
Dominion Voting Systems sued Fox News for $1.6 billion, arguing the network knowingly broadcast false claims about its machines. Under oath, Rupert Murdoch admitted his network endorsed narratives that executives considered false. Dominion argued this undermined democracy by spreading baseless allegations. Supporters of Fox countered that mainstream outlets also distort facts and deserved equal scrutiny. Critics, however, called Fox’s actions a betrayal of journalism’s duty to truth.
Newsmax Reaches $67 Million Settlement
Newsmax also faced a defamation suit from Dominion, initially seeking $1.6 billion. On Monday, Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million over three years. The outlet insisted its reporting was never defamatory but said the Delaware judge was biased and allowed intrusive discovery. Newsmax maintained that the settlement prevented unfair trial proceedings and preserved company growth. Dominion said it was satisfied with the resolution.
Supporters and Detractors Clash
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy framed both lawsuits as assaults on free speech and the press. Many supporters agreed, arguing that conservative outlets were targeted for challenging President Biden. Detractors countered that knowingly spreading falsehoods is not protected journalism but an attack on democratic trust. They stressed that the truth is essential for governance, regardless of partisan preference.
Christian Concerns About Truth
Faith leaders stressed that Christians must reject falsehoods. They argued that democracy depends on truth and warned against prioritizing political outcomes over integrity. Scripture commands believers to uphold honesty and reject lies, they said, making false election claims not just politically harmful but spiritually serious. Critics within the church urged believers to view these scandals as a call to recommit to truth in both faith and civic life.
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Newsmax to settle defamation claim by Dominion for $67M
Attention Fox News: The truth will set you free
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