What's happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging the network misrepresented a phone call with President Trump. The suit claims Fox's statements harmed Newsom's reputation during a period of national unrest following immigration raids in Los Angeles.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Defamation Claims: Newsom's lawsuit alleges Fox News acted with actual malice, a high bar for public figures in defamation cases. He must prove that Fox knowingly published false information.
- Political Context: The lawsuit follows a pattern of aggressive legal actions by Trump against media outlets. Newsom's case mirrors the $787.5 million settlement Fox reached with Dominion Voting Systems, indicating a potential shift in accountability for media outlets.
- Public Trust: Newsom emphasizes the importance of truthful reporting, stating, "If Fox News wants to lie to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf, it should face consequences."
- Media Landscape: This case highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and media organizations, particularly in the context of misinformation and public trust in news sources.
Implications:
- The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how media outlets handle claims from public figures, especially in politically charged environments. If Newsom prevails, it may encourage more public figures to hold media accountable for misinformation.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Newsom's lawsuit claims Fox News misrepresented his statements about a phone call with Trump, stating, "Fox nonetheless made a misleading video clip and multiple false statements about the timing of the last call." AP News adds that Newsom is seeking $787 million in damages, the same amount Fox paid to Dominion Voting Systems, emphasizing the seriousness of his claims. Business Insider UK notes that Newsom's legal team is the same as Dominion's, suggesting a strategic approach to the lawsuit. The Independent highlights Newsom's assertion that Fox's actions are part of a broader pattern of misinformation, stating, "Until Fox is willing to be truthful, I will keep fighting against their propaganda machine." This multifaceted coverage illustrates the significant implications of the lawsuit for both Newsom and Fox News.
How we got here
The lawsuit stems from a phone call between Newsom and Trump on June 6, 2025, shortly before Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Newsom asserts that Fox News falsely claimed he lied about the call's timing and content, which he denies.
Go deeper
- What are the potential outcomes of this lawsuit?
- How has Fox News responded to the allegations?
- What does this mean for media accountability?
Common question
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What are the details of Newsom's defamation lawsuit against Fox News?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated a significant legal battle against Fox News, claiming defamation over misrepresented comments regarding a phone call with former President Trump. This lawsuit raises questions about media accountability and the implications for political discourse. Below, we explore key aspects of the case and its potential impact.
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What are the details of Gavin Newsom's lawsuit against Fox News?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold step by filing a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News. This legal action raises important questions about media accountability and the implications for political discourse in America. Below, we explore the details of the lawsuit, its potential impact on media reporting, and the public's reaction.
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The Fox News Channel, commonly known as Fox News, is an American multinational conservative news and political commentary television channel and website based in New York City, U.S.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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California is a state in the Pacific Region of the United States. With 39.5 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles, California is the most populous U.S. state and the third-largest by area, and is also the world's thirty-fourt
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Delaware is one of the 50 states of the United States, in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, north by Pennsylvania, and east by New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean.