J. Ann Selzer, a well-known pollster for The Des Moines Register, is standing her ground against accusations that she skewed an electoral survey during the 2024 presidential election.
Following sharp criticism from President-elect Donald Trump, Selzer firmly denied the claims, stating that her ethics and professional track record prove otherwise.
What Happened?
During the election, Selzer’s poll predicted that Trump was trailing by three points in Iowa. However, Trump went on to win the state by a significant 16-point margin. This led Trump to allege that the poll was intentionally misleading.
Trump expressed his concerns through posts on Truth Social, calling the poll “fake” and accusing Selzer of election fraud. He also demanded an investigation, claiming the survey caused distrust at a crucial moment.
Selzer’s Defense
In an interview with PBS’s Iowa Press, Selzer defended herself:
- She rejected any claims of bias or intentional misconduct, emphasizing that her professional ethics would not allow such behavior.
- Selzer argued that there was no evidence to support accusations that she manipulated the poll.
- She described the allegations as unfounded and damaging to her reputation, pointing out that accusing her of a crime is both unfair and baseless.
Selzer added that she has always maintained objectivity in her work and has never been influenced by external pressures.
Trump’s Allegations
Trump’s posts highlighted his belief that Selzer and her poll were part of a larger problem:
- He suggested the poll was a deliberate attempt to mislead voters.
- He praised Iowa voters for delivering a “record-breaking vote” despite what he called potential fraud.
- Trump labeled both Selzer and The Des Moines Register as “discredited.”
What’s Next for Selzer?
Amid this controversy, Selzer has announced plans to explore other career opportunities after the November election. She did not elaborate on her future ventures but hinted at moving away from polling.
FAQs
1. What is J. Ann Selzer known for?
She is a respected pollster who has conducted electoral surveys for The Des Moines Register.
2. Why is she facing criticism?
President-elect Donald Trump accused her of producing a misleading poll during the 2024 election.
3. Did the poll results differ from the election outcome?
Yes, Selzer’s poll showed Trump trailing by three points, but he won Iowa by 16 points.
4. What is Selzer’s response to the accusations?
She denies the claims, stating that her professional ethics prevent her from manipulating data.
5. What are her future plans?
Selzer plans to explore new career opportunities after the election.
