California Governor in the United States, Gavin Newsom, has launched a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging the network distorted the truth about a recent phone conversation between him and President Donald Trump.
The suit, filed in Delaware Superior Court, claims Fox News used misleading video edits and made knowingly false statements that painted Newsom as dishonest.
The legal battle stems from conflicting accounts over the timing of a call between Newsom and Trump during widespread protests in Los Angeles, sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions earlier this month.
At the heart of the complaint are comments made by Fox News anchor Jesse Watters, who questioned, “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?” One segment cited in the filing featured a chyron that read, “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.”
Newsom’s legal team argues that Fox’s coverage was aimed at undermining his political future, especially as he emerges as a possible contender in the 2028 presidential race.
“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,” the attorneys wrote.
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As a condition to withdraw the lawsuit, Newsom’s lawyers have demanded a retraction from Fox News and a public, on-air apology from Watters.
The $787 million sum mirrors the amount Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems to avoid trial in a high-profile defamation case regarding 2020 election misinformation.
“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. “Until Fox is willing to be truthful, I will keep fighting against their propaganda machine.”
Fox News has dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated. “Gov. Newsom’s transparent publicity stunt is frivolous and designed to chill free speech critical of him,” a network spokesperson said. “We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed.”
Notably, Newsom is bringing the case in his personal capacity. His legal team includes prominent attorneys Mark Bankston, known for representing Sandy Hook families against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and Michael Teeter.
Newsom has previously engaged with Fox News in high-profile appearances, including a 2023 televised debate with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
As speculation about his political ambitions grows, the California governor has intensified criticism of Trump, with whom he has long clashed. In his official role, Newsom has previously taken legal action against the Trump administration over tariffs and the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
Shortly after the lawsuit’s announcement, Newsom sent out a fundraising appeal referencing the legal action in the email subject line and requesting support for his political organization.
