California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a massive $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News over coverage of his communications with President Trump during the Los Angeles riots. Newsom is facing criticism for what appears to be a publicity stunt, and a case he simply cannot win/
At a glance:
• Gavin Newsom is suing Fox News for $787 million over alleged defamation regarding a phone call with Trump
• The lawsuit specifically targets Fox host Jesse Watters for allegedly editing video to misrepresent facts
• Newsom denies discussing National Guard deployment with Trump despite the president’s claims
• The $787 million demand matches exactly what Fox paid in the Dominion Voting Systems settlement
• Fox News has dismissed the lawsuit as a “transparent publicity stunt” designed to “chill free speech”
Newsom Takes Aim at Fox News
Newsom’s unpopular new legal battle centers on Fox News’ coverage of a June 6 phone call between Newsom and President Donald Trump during the Los Angeles riots. Newsom’s lawsuit claims Fox host Jesse Watters deliberately edited video to falsely support Trump’s assertion that he discussed deploying the National Guard with the California governor.
The Democratic governor specifically demands an on-air apology from Watters and wants Fox News to stop broadcasting what he describes as false statements about the call. The complaint was filed in Delaware Superior Court, where Fox News is incorporated, seeking damages that curiously match the exact amount Fox paid in its 2023 Dominion settlement.
Embarrassing errors in this letter… “discrete” not discreet for one… https://t.co/RI6h15B8d7
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) June 28, 2025
Newsom initially claimed that he had never spoken to the president on the phone, but after President Trump publicly shared a call log showing how long their conversation lasted, Newsom switched to claiming that they never discussed the National Guard during the call.
Fox News Dismisses “Publicity Stunt”
Fox News has come out swinging against Newsom’s legal action, characterizing it as politically motivated rather than legally sound. “Gov. Newsom’s transparent publicity stunt is frivolous and designed to chill free speech critical of him,” the network stated in its response to the lawsuit.
“We will defend this case vigorously and look forward to it being dismissed,” Fox News added, signaling confidence that the case lacks merit. The lawsuit comes amid ongoing speculation about Newsom’s potential presidential ambitions, with critics suggesting this high-profile legal battle serves his political interests more than any legitimate legal claim.
New: Gavin Newsom’s attorneys send letter to Fox News, demanding an on air retraction on reporting about his phone call with President Trump during LA immigration protests.
If not, they’ll proceed with the lawsuit.
“We realize you are becoming quite familiar with defamation.” pic.twitter.com/36owZERrcR
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) June 27, 2025
Trump vs. Newsom Dispute Continues
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between Newsom and Trump, extending beyond the current dispute. Newsom has previously sued the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of U.S. Marines and the National Guard to Los Angeles during protests, creating a pattern of legal confrontations between the two political figures.
While both Newsom and the White House confirm a phone call occurred on June 6, they dispute Trump’s characterization of its content. “No more lies. I’m suing Fox News for $787 million,” Newsom declared in a statement that mirrors his approach to the president’s claims about their communication.
The contentious lawsuit brings renewed attention to Newsom’s handling of the Los Angeles riots, which critics argue demonstrates poor leadership during a crisis. The timing has also raised eyebrows among political observers, who note Newsom’s increasing national profile as the 2024 election approaches and President Biden faces mounting challenges.
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Author: Editorial Team
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