Reid Hoffman, a significant Democratic donor and co-founder of LinkedIn, has thrown his financial support behind Smartmatic in its defamation lawsuits against Fox News and Newsmax. This development underscores Hoffman’s ongoing efforts to counter conservative media narratives through legal means.
Smartmatic, an electronic voting company, has faced accusations of complicity in a supposed plot to undermine the 2020 presidential election results. Last year, Smartmatic claimed no third parties were funding its legal battles, but Hoffman’s investment has changed the landscape.
In a public statement, Hoffman emphasized Smartmatic’s role in promoting trustworthy elections. “Smartmatic built a global business by using technology to better engage citizens, regardless of party or ideology, by making voting simple and trustworthy. After Donald Trump lost in 2020, however, Smartmatic became a target of the defamatory campaign to overturn his defeat,” Hoffman said. He noted that investing in Smartmatic was a way to support truth and justice in the courts.
Hoffman’s history of financing anti-Trump initiatives includes backing E. Jean Carroll’s defamation cases against Trump and supporting the MeidasTouch Network, which has been active in promoting progressive causes. Additionally, he has funded Fusion GPS, known for producing the controversial Steele dossier.
Hoffman’s previous interactions with Jeffrey Epstein have also been a point of controversy. Despite Epstein’s criminal background, Hoffman visited Epstein’s estates, including his Manhattan residence. Hoffman later admitted that his association might have delayed justice for Epstein’s victims, stating his last contact with Epstein was in 2015.
Smartmatic’s defamation lawsuit against Fox News has yet to see a trial date set, but the case is closely watched following Fox’s $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over similar claims. Hoffman’s involvement adds a powerful financial and political dynamic to Smartmatic’s legal strategies.
Hoffman’s continued support for legal actions against conservative media reflects his broader goal of shaping the political landscape through strategic investments. By backing Smartmatic, he aims to counteract what he sees as falsehoods propagated by influential conservative networks, thus influencing the public discourse surrounding election integrity and media accountability.
