On June 27, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a high-stakes lawsuit against Fox News, demanding at least $787 million in damages for what he claims was defamation by the conservative network. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, centers on comments made by Fox News host Jesse Watters, who accused Newsom of lying about a phone call with President Donald Trump. This legal battle has sparked heated debate, drawing comparisons to Fox News’ 2023 settlement with Dominion Voting Systems and raising questions about free speech, media responsibility, and political rivalries.
The Core of the Lawsuit
The dispute stems from a June 10, 2025, statement by President Trump, who claimed he spoke with Newsom “a day ago” about the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to address protests over Trump’s immigration policies. Newsom quickly denied this, stating on X, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail.” According to the lawsuit, Newsom and Trump actually spoke for about 16 minutes on June 6 or 7, and the conversation did not involve the Los Angeles protests or the National Guard.
Fox News host Jesse Watters, during his show Jesse Watters Primetime, aired an edited clip of Trump’s remarks, omitting the part where Trump claimed the call happened “a day ago.” Watters then questioned why Newsom would “lie” about the call, displaying a chyron that read, “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.” Newsom’s lawsuit alleges that Fox News deliberately distorted the facts to defame him, accusing the network of siding with Trump to tarnish the governor’s reputation.
A Hefty Price Tag and a Call for Accountability
Newsom’s demand for $787 million in damages mirrors the amount Fox News paid Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 to settle a defamation case over false claims about the 2020 presidential election. Newsom’s legal team argues that Fox News’ actions were not just misleading but also violated California’s Unfair Competition Law by engaging in “deceptive and unfair business practices.” The lawsuit claims that Watters’ accusations could harm Newsom’s standing with voters, especially as a potential Democratic presidential candidate.
In a letter to Fox News, Newsom’s lawyers offered to drop the lawsuit if the network retracts its claim and Watters issues an on-air apology. “If Fox News wants to lie to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf, it should face consequences—just like it did in the Dominion case,” Newsom said in a statement. “I believe the American people should be able to trust the information they receive from a major news outlet.”
Fox News, in response, called the lawsuit a “transparent publicity stunt” aimed at silencing criticism of Newsom. The network vowed to fight the case, arguing it is frivolous and infringes on free speech.
A High Legal Bar and Political Context
Defamation lawsuits by public figures like Newsom face a tough legal standard, as established by the 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan. To win, Newsom must prove that Fox News acted with “actual malice,” meaning they knowingly spread false information or showed reckless disregard for the truth. His legal team, led by attorneys Mark Bankston and Michael Teter, argues that Fox News’ decision to edit Trump’s remarks and label Newsom a liar meets this threshold.
The lawsuit also highlights the ongoing tension between Newsom and Trump, who have clashed over issues like immigration, wildfire relief, and tariffs. Newsom has positioned himself as a leading voice in the Democratic resistance against Trump, a role that has made him a frequent target of conservative media. The lawsuit adds fuel to this rivalry, with Newsom accusing Fox News of harboring “significant ill will” toward him because of his progressive values.
Echoes of Past Defamation Cases
Newsom’s lawsuit draws parallels to other high-profile defamation cases, including Trump’s own legal battles against media outlets. In December 2024, ABC settled with Trump for $15 million over inaccurate reporting by George Stephanopoulos. Similarly, Trump’s ongoing lawsuit against CBS’ 60 Minutes over an edited interview with Kamala Harris has stirred controversy. Newsom’s case, however, stands out for its massive damage request and its timing, as it coincides with his rising national profile.
Newsom’s legal team brings experience to the table. Bankston, who previously won a $49.3 million verdict against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones in a Sandy Hook defamation case, is no stranger to taking on powerful media figures. His involvement signals that Newsom is serious about holding Fox News accountable.
A Complex Relationship with Fox News
Newsom’s history with Fox News is a mix of confrontation and collaboration. Over the years, he has appeared on the network, engaging with hosts like Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly to reach conservative audiences. Yet, he has also criticized Fox News for its right-wing bias, notably accusing Hannity of favoring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a 2023 debate. This love-hate dynamic underscores the strategic nature of Newsom’s lawsuit, which some see as both a defense of his reputation and a political move to rally Democratic support.
What’s Next?
As the lawsuit moves forward, it will likely spark debates about the role of media in politics and the boundaries of free speech. For Newsom, the case is a chance to challenge what he calls Fox News’ “propaganda machine” and reinforce his image as a fighter against misinformation. For Fox News, it’s an opportunity to defend its reporting and push back against what it sees as an attack on its journalistic freedom.
Whether the case ends in a settlement, an apology, or a courtroom showdown, it’s clear that Newsom’s $787 million gamble has raised the stakes in his battle with both Trump and conservative media.
