In a bold and unexpected move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, accusing the network of spreading false claims about his communication with former President Donald Trump regarding the deployment of the National Guard. The lawsuit, which comes on the heels of a highly publicized town hall, has set the stage for a fierce legal battle that could redefine the relationship between politicians and the media.
The Disputed Phone Call and Watters’ Smear
The controversy began after a June 7, 2025, phone call between Governor Newsom and President Trump, where they discussed the deployment of the National Guard to California in response to civil unrest. While Newsom’s office made it clear that the call occurred on June 7, President Trump publicly stated that the conversation had taken place on June 9, creating a public discrepancy.
Enter Jesse Watters, a prominent Fox News host, who used the false statement to challenge Newsom’s credibility. On his show Jesse Watters Primetime, Watters aired a clip of Trump’s false claim and questioned why Newsom would lie about the call. Watters’ segment relied on a screenshot of Trump’s phone history, but the timeline was manipulated in a way that omitted crucial details.
Newsom’s attorneys argue that Watters and Fox News deliberately misled their audience by presenting a false narrative and failing to acknowledge the factual discrepancy. In the lawsuit, Newsom’s team claims that the smear campaign was a deliberate attempt to undermine his credibility and damage his reputation.
Newsom’s Legal Action: Holding Fox News Accountable
Governor Newsom’s lawsuit mirrors the high-profile legal action taken by Dominion Voting Systems earlier this year, in which Fox News was forced to pay $787.5 million in a defamation settlement. Newsom has made it clear that this lawsuit is about more than just clearing his name; it is a stand against what he describes as Fox News’ “propaganda machine.”
In a public statement, Newsom expressed his frustration with Fox News’ narrative-driven coverage: “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. Until Fox is willing to be truthful, I will keep fighting against their propaganda machine.”
A Broader Debate: Media Bias and Accountability
This lawsuit has sparked a much-needed conversation about media bias and accountability, particularly in the age of misinformation. The conflict between Newsom and Fox News underscores the challenges that politicians face when navigating media coverage, especially when their actions and statements are distorted to fit a particular narrative. Tensions between political figures and the media have only intensified, with accusations of bias flying from all sides of the political spectrum.
Newsom’s legal team has framed the lawsuit as a fight for journalistic integrity, arguing that media outlets like Fox News have an obligation to report facts, not manipulate them for ideological purposes. By pursuing this legal action, Newsom is setting a precedent for future media accountability and challenging the practices of powerful media giants that are seen as contributing to a polarized political landscape.
The Fallout: Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The response to Newsom’s lawsuit has been swift and divisive. Supporters have praised Newsom for taking a stand against what they view as Fox News’ biased coverage and its role in spreading misinformation. “This lawsuit is about ensuring that lies have consequences,” said one of Newsom’s attorneys. “It’s about protecting the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that elected officials are not subjected to baseless attacks.”
On the other hand, critics argue that Newsom’s legal action is an overreach, with some calling it a tactic to silence conservative voices. “This is a dangerous precedent,” said a spokesperson for Fox News. “If politicians start suing the media every time they disagree with coverage, it could have chilling effects on free speech.”
The lawsuit is also raising questions about the future of media regulation and whether more legal challenges will emerge in response to perceived media manipulation. As political polarization continues to dominate public discourse, the fight for media fairness and accountability is likely to intensify.
What’s Next for Newsom and Fox News?
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and much remains uncertain about how it will play out. If Newsom is successful in his claim, it could set a significant legal precedent for how media companies are held accountable for spreading false narratives. The case could also pave the way for more lawsuits against other media outlets accused of biased reporting or defamation.
For Newsom, the lawsuit is a chance to protect his reputation and challenge what he sees as a dangerous trend in American media. He has been a vocal critic of Fox News for years, and this legal action represents his willingness to take a stand, even against powerful media entities.
For Fox News, the lawsuit presents a serious challenge to its credibility, particularly as it continues to navigate the fallout from the Dominion Voting Systems case. The network will likely face increased scrutiny regarding its editorial practices, especially in the wake of allegations that it intentionally misled viewers during the 2020 election.
Conclusion: A Fight for Integrity and Accountability
Governor Gavin Newsom’s $787 million lawsuit against Fox News is more than just a defamation case—it’s a statement about the importance of truth in the media and the need for accountability in a world where narratives are often manipulated for political gain. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Newsom’s legal battle may serve as a turning point in the ongoing struggle to preserve journalistic integrity.
The lawsuit raises significant questions about the role of media in shaping public perception and the limits of free speech in the digital age. As the case unfolds, it’s clear that the stakes are high—not just for Newsom and Fox News, but for the broader fight to protect democracy and hold media outlets accountable for their influence on the public discourse.