Gavin Newsom Sues Fox News for Defamation: Background and Political Context
California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a high-profile legal battle against Fox News, filing a $787 million defamation lawsuit that accuses the conservative network of knowingly spreading false information about a phone call he had with former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court where Fox News is incorporated, centers on Fox’s coverage of a contentious period marked by protests in Los Angeles and the federal government’s controversial immigration enforcement actions.
The dispute traces back to early June, when Los Angeles was gripped by protests following a series of federal immigration raids. Amid the unrest, President Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to California, a move that reportedly occurred without direct consultation with Governor Newsom’s office.
Governor Newsom and President Trump did, however, have a phone conversation late on June 6 (or early June 7, depending on the time zone). According to Newsom, the call lasted about 16 minutes and was “civil,” but Trump did not discuss the National Guard deployment or the protests in Los Angeles. “I tried to discuss LA, but he wanted to address other topics,” Newsom later told NBC News. “He never once mentioned the National Guard,” he reiterated.
The situation escalated days later when President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on June 10 that he had spoken to Newsom “a day ago,” claiming he had called the governor to admonish him about his handling of the protests. Newsom quickly denied that any such call had taken place on that day, stating on social media, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail”.
Fox News Defamation Lawsuit: Coverage and Allegations
The heart of Newsom’s lawsuit lies in a segment that aired on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on June 10, 2025. During the broadcast, host Jesse Watters played an edited video clip of President Trump discussing his communications with Newsom, omitting key context about the timing and content of the call. Watters then accused Newsom of lying about whether the call had occurred, asking viewers, “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?” The segment also displayed a chyron reading, “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call”.
Newsom’s complaint alleges that Fox News “knowingly fabricated statements and doctored footage to falsely brand Newsom a liar.” The lawsuit argues that these actions were not accidental misreporting but a deliberate attempt to shield President Trump from his own inaccuracies by discrediting a political rival during a volatile national moment.
Legal Claims and Demands in Newsom’s Lawsuit Against Fox News
Governor Newsom is seeking at least $787 million in punitive damages from Fox News, a figure nearly identical to the sum Fox paid Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 to settle a separate high-profile defamation case over false claims about the 2020 presidential election247. In addition to monetary damages, Newsom is asking the court to order Fox News to stop broadcasting or posting any segments that claim he lied about the phone call with Trump.
Newsom’s legal team has also made clear that the governor is willing to withdraw the lawsuit if Fox News issues a retraction and if Jesse Watters delivers a formal on-air apology. In a letter to Fox, Newsom’s attorneys stated he would voluntarily dismiss the suit if these conditions were met.
Political Implications and Broader Context of the Fox News Defamation Lawsuit
This lawsuit comes at a time when Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure and rumored potential 2028 presidential contender, has been increasingly vocal in his opposition to Trump and conservative media narratives. Newsom’s attorneys argue that Fox News’s actions were intended to damage his reputation and political prospects, stating, “Individual viewers who heard Fox’s statement that Governor Newsom was ‘lying’ about when he last spoke to President Trump are less likely to support Governor Newsom in future elections and are less likely to support Governor Newsom’s causes or contribute to his political organizations”.
In public statements, Newsom has framed the lawsuit as a stand against what he describes as a pattern of misinformation and propaganda by Fox News. “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,” he declared. “I believe the American people should be able to trust the information they receive from a major news outlet. Until Fox is willing to be truthful, I will keep fighting against their propaganda machine”.
Fox News Response to Newsom’s Defamation Lawsuit
Fox News has dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous” and a “transparent publicity stunt,” vowing to defend itself vigorously in court. In its public response, the network insisted that the suit is designed to chill free speech and silence criticism of Governor Newsom, rather than address any genuine defamation.
Key Points of Contention in the Newsom vs Fox News Defamation Case
- Timeline of Communication: Newsom maintains the only call with Trump occurred late June 6 or early June 7, and did not address the National Guard or protests. Trump and Fox News suggested a later call took place, which Newsom denies.
- Media Ethics: The lawsuit accuses Fox News of editing video and presenting information out of context to mislead viewers and damage Newsom’s credibility.
- Political Motivation: Newsom’s legal team alleges Fox News acted with “significant ill will” toward the governor, motivated by his status as a prominent progressive and vocal critic of Trump and right-wing media.
- Potential Settlement: Newsom has offered to drop the lawsuit if Fox News retracts its claims and issues an on-air apology, signaling that the primary goal may be public accountability rather than financial gain.
Broader Significance: Media Accountability and Defamation Law
This lawsuit marks another major confrontation between public officials and media organizations over the boundaries of free speech, journalistic responsibility, and the spread of misinformation. By seeking damages equal to Fox’s previous Dominion settlement, Newsom’s suit draws a direct parallel between his own case and the broader debate over media accountability in American democracy247.
References:
- [Fox, Dominion reach $787M settlement over election claims]2
- [Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network – Wikipedia]4
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