Gavin Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million Amid Truth Claims

California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold legal step by filing a lawsuit against Fox News, seeking an impressive $787 million. This move comes as part of his ongoing battle against what he describes as Fox’s "propaganda machine."

Key Details of the Lawsuit

• Date of Announcement: Newsom revealed the lawsuit on June 27, 2025, through a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
• Main Issue: The lawsuit stems from an episode of Jesse Watters’ show, where Newsom alleges that Fox News aired misleading claims about his interactions with former President Donald Trump.
• Newsom’s Quote: “No more lies,” he emphasized, stating that he is prepared to continue this legal fight until Fox News commits to truthfulness.

Background of the Dispute

The origin of this legal action lies in a segment that aired on Jesse Watters’ show. The controversy involves:

• Trump’s Communications: Newsom claims he last spoke with Trump for approximately 16 minutes on June 7, prior to Trump deploying California National Guard troops amid protests in Los Angeles.
• Conflicting Narratives: Trump suggested he spoke to Newsom "a day ago," which Newsom quickly refuted on social media.

Potential Resolution

Newsom’s legal team has indicated that they are willing to drop the lawsuit if Fox News retracts its claims and if Watters issues a proper on-air apology. According to Politico, the specifics include:

• Written Retraction: A formal acknowledgment from Fox that the original claims were incorrect.
• Public Apology: An on-air statement by Watters addressing the inaccuracies.

Implications of the Lawsuit

This high-profile case raises crucial questions about accountability in media:

• Impact on News Media: If successful, the suit could set a precedent regarding how media outlets handle claims about public figures.
• Public’s Right to Information: Newsom insists that the truth is essential for a democratic society, stating, “If Fox News wants to lie to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf, it should face consequences.”

Conclusion

As the lawsuit unfolds, it promises to be a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding media integrity, political accountability, and the public’s right to truthful information. Citizens and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both Fox News and the legal system respond to this bold assertion from Governor Gavin Newsom.

For more in-depth coverage on similar topics, visit Politico and The Wrap.