Judge: Trump Improperly Added Plaintiffs to Keep Pollster Lawsuit in State Court

A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump improperly added multiple plaintiffs to a lawsuit against a political pollster in what the court described as a strategic move to prevent the case from being transferred to federal court.

The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, focused on a lawsuit Trump filed against Mark Harris, a Republican pollster with ties to several political campaigns. Trump and his legal team initially filed the suit in New York state court, accusing Harris of defamation and other civil violations related to polling data and public commentary that allegedly harmed Trump’s political standing.

However, shortly after Harris attempted to move the case to federal court — a common legal step when out-of-state parties are involved — Trump’s lawyers amended the complaint to include additional plaintiffs with New York residency. This maneuver appeared aimed at preserving jurisdiction in state court, where Trump’s legal team likely felt the venue would be more favorable.

Judge Calls Out “Improper Joinder”

Judge Kaplan called the tactic a clear case of “improper joinder,” ruling that the added plaintiffs had no substantive legal claims in the matter and were included solely to defeat federal jurisdiction. As a result, Kaplan dismissed the added parties from the lawsuit and allowed the case to proceed in federal court.

“This is a textbook example of forum manipulation,” the judge wrote in his opinion. “The Court will not permit parties to manufacture jurisdictional facts to subvert the law.”

Implications for Trump’s Legal Strategy

The ruling is another legal setback for Trump, who remains entangled in multiple civil and criminal cases as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election cycle. His attorneys have often sought to leverage procedural maneuvers, including venue changes, to delay or shift the legal terrain in their favor.

Legal analysts say this case underscores the scrutiny courts are now applying to Trump’s legal tactics. “Judges are increasingly less tolerant of gamesmanship, especially when it comes to jurisdiction,” said law professor Maya Cohen of Columbia University.

Broader Political Context

While the lawsuit itself involves a political pollster and reputational claims, the broader context is steeped in Trump’s efforts to reshape narratives ahead of the election. Trump has repeatedly challenged polling data and media reports that show him trailing key rivals or facing significant legal exposure.

The case will now proceed in federal court, where pre-trial motions and discovery are expected to begin in the coming weeks.