Taking a page from Trump’s playbook of suing media companies, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a high-stakes defamation lawsuit against Fox News Friday, seeking $787 million—the same amount Fox agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems in 2023—to hold the network accountable for allegedly broadcasting false statements about his communications with former President Donald Trump.
At the heart of the case is Fox News host Jesse Watters’ June 10 segment, in which he aired a screenshot of Trump’s phone log alongside the question, “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?” A chyron on the broadcast labeled it “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.” According to Newsom, this was a distortion: he last spoke to Trump on June 6–7—nearly three days before the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles—and had no further communications.
In his Delaware Superior Court complaint, Newsom contends Fox acted with “actual malice,” knowingly airing the misleading content to protect Trump and mislead viewers. The suit also argues that the network manipulated and deceptively edited video to reinforce false claims.
“Asserting, ‘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’s legal team likened this action to Fox’s landmark settlement over election-fraud coverage.”
Key Legal Demands
$787 million in punitive damages, mirroring the Dominion settlement.
Court-ordered injunction preventing Fox from rebroadcasting or publishing the disputed segment or similar claims.
On‑air apology and retraction from Fox and Jesse Watters—Newsom’s team has stated they will drop the lawsuit should this occur.
Broader Context
Legal commentary highlights the high bar for defamation against public figures, requiring proof of actual malice under New York Times v. Sullivan. This marks the latest chapter in Newsom’s ongoing clashes with Trump, notably over the governor’s lawsuit to reclaim California National Guard control from the federal administration.
Newsom’s legal team amplified their accusations with pointed criticism:
“It is perhaps unsurprising that a near‑octogenarian with a history of delusionary public statements … might confuse the dates. But Fox’s decision to cover up for President Trump’s error cannot be so easily dismissed,” the complaint reads.
Fox News responded harshly, dismissing the filing as a “frivolous publicity stunt” aimed at chilling free speech, and said it would defend vigorously and expect the lawsuit to be dismissed.
What Comes Next
The case is developing in Delaware’s court system. If Newsom prevails, the payout could fuel anti-Trump political initiatives; however, he will only stand to benefit personally if damages exceed legal fees, as the proceeds will reportedly flow to such causes.
Given the network’s swift moves following the Dominion settlement, a retraction—and perhaps apology—may become a strategic path to resolution.