Fri Jun 27 16:12:43 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text:**

California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging the network falsely portrayed him as a liar regarding his last phone call with then-President Donald Trump. The lawsuit stems from Fox News coverage of the timing of the call, which occurred amid protests following federal immigration raids in Los Angeles. Newsom claims Fox News knowingly published false statements to protect Trump and damage Newsom’s reputation, particularly focusing on comments made by host Jesse Watters. Newsom is seeking a retraction and apology from Watters, as well as compensatory damages.

**News Article:**

**California Governor Newsom Sues Fox News for $787 Million, Alleging Defamation**

**California, June 27, 2025** – California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging the network falsely accused him of lying about the timing of his last phone call with former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware Superior Court on Friday, claims Fox News acted with “actual malice” to protect Trump and damage Newsom’s reputation.

The dispute centers around a phone call between Newsom and Trump that occurred in early June following protests in Los Angeles in response to federal immigration raids. Newsom alleges that Trump bypassed him and sent National Guard troops and Marines to the state. After Trump told reporters on June 10th that he had spoken with the governor a day ago, Newsom refuted this and said he had not spoken with Trump again.

According to the lawsuit, Fox News host Jesse Watters then made false statements on his show, “Jesse Watters Primetime,” accusing Newsom of lying about the call. The complaint specifically cites a chyron on the show stating “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.”

Newsom’s lawsuit argues that Fox News’s actions were calculated to provoke outrage and harm his reputation, potentially impacting his political prospects, including a possible presidential run in 2028.

The governor is seeking a retraction and on-air apology from Watters, as well as unspecified compensatory damages.

Fox News has yet to issue a statement on the lawsuit. The case echoes Dominion Voting Systems’ lawsuit against Fox News in 2023, which resulted in a $787.5 million settlement.

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