BREAKING: Governor Gavin Newsom Slams Fox News with $787 Million Lawsuit Over Jesse Watters’ False Claims
In a move that has sent shockwaves through both political and media circles, California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a jaw-dropping $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News after MAGA host Jesse Watters falsely claimed that Newsom lied about his phone conversations with former President Donald Trump regarding the deployment of the National Guard. Newsom’s bold legal action is a direct challenge to Fox News’ coverage of the story, which Newsom argues was intentionally misleading and based on a manufactured narrative.
The lawsuit’s $787 million price tag echoes the settlement that Fox News was forced to pay out to Dominion Voting Systems earlier this year after their involvement in spreading falsehoods about the 2020 election. Newsom’s lawsuit is not just about clearing his name—it’s a stand against what he calls Fox News’ “propaganda machine” and an effort to hold the network accountable for the misinformation it spreads, particularly when it comes to its favorable coverage of Trump and the far-right.
This dramatic move by Newsom comes after a controversial exchange involving Jesse Watters, who played a heavily edited clip of Trump’s comments and suggested that Newsom was lying about his communication with the former president regarding the National Guard. Watters’ claims were then amplified by Fox News, adding fuel to the already fiery debate over the state’s response to the crisis in Los Angeles and the role of federal intervention in California’s emergency efforts.
The Disputed Phone Call and Watters’ Smear
The controversy began on June 7th when Governor Gavin Newsom held a 16-minute phone conversation with President Trump, during which the two discussed the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to ongoing civil unrest. Newsom had made it clear that the deployment was necessary due to the state’s heightened security concerns, and Trump agreed to send the troops to assist with maintaining order in the city.
However, just days later, on June 10th, Trump made a public comment claiming that he had spoken with Newsom “a day ago” about the National Guard deployment, implying that the conversation had occurred on June 9th. This was a lie, as Newsom’s office quickly pointed out—Trump had spoken to him two days earlier on June 7th.
When Newsom publicly exposed Trump’s lie, Jesse Watters of Fox News seized on the opportunity to try and discredit the governor. In an episode of The Jesse Watters Primetime, Watters aired a clip of Trump’s false statement, asking rhetorically: “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?”
Watters further attempted to back up his smear by showing a screenshot of Trump’s phone call history, which did show a call on June 7th. However, the manipulation of the timeline was glaring, as Watters failed to properly acknowledge that Trump’s claims about the timing of the call were inaccurate.
Newsom’s attorneys argue that Watters and Fox News deliberately misled viewers by editing the video and presenting a false narrative. According to the lawsuit, this was not a simple mistake, but rather a calculated effort to undermine Newsom’s credibility and politically attack him during a time of heightened scrutiny.
The Lawsuit: Seeking Justice and Accountability
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has long been a target of right-wing media attacks, is taking the fight to the courts in order to hold Fox News accountable for what he calls their deliberate misinformation campaign. The $787 million lawsuit not only seeks damages for the harm done to Newsom’s reputation but also aims to address the broader issue of media accountability in the age of rampant misinformation.
In his public statement, Newsom expressed his outrage over the situation, saying, “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. Until Fox is willing to be truthful, I will keep fighting against their propaganda machine.”
Newsom’s attorneys have pointed out that the manipulation of facts by Fox News, and specifically Jesse Watters, represents a dangerous trend in the media landscape. By distorting the facts and intentionally misleading the public, Fox News has not only undermined the integrity of the political discourse but also put the public’s trust in the media at risk.
The Larger Context: MAGA Media and Its Influence
The lawsuit filed by Newsom also brings to the forefront the broader issue of MAGA-aligned media and its impact on American democracy. Over the past few years, Fox News and other outlets within the right-wing media ecosystem have been accused of distorting facts, creating false narratives, and fueling polarization in order to advance a particular political agenda.
Jesse Watters, as one of Fox News’ leading hosts, is a key figure in this ecosystem. Known for his combative, no-holds-barred approach to political commentary, Watters has become a lightning rod for controversy, frequently using his platform to launch attacks on left-wing politicians, institutions, and the media establishment.
In this case, the timing of the smear against Newsom is not incidental. As a leading progressive figure in California, Newsom has long been a target of the right-wing media, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and the state’s response to civil unrest has provided ample fodder for critics.
The fact that Newsom is now fighting back against this media onslaught by taking legal action is a significant development. By holding Fox News accountable for its role in spreading falsehoods, Newsom is sending a message to other politicians that they do not have to tolerate lies and misinformation from powerful media entities.
The $787 Million Lawsuit: A Message to Fox News
The $787 million lawsuit is significant not only for its size but for the message it sends. The sum is nearly identical to the $787.5 million that Fox News was forced to pay to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit related to false claims about the 2020 election. Newsom’s legal team has stated that this lawsuit is about much more than just money—it is about holding Fox News accountable for its actions and ensuring that the truth prevails over political manipulation.
“We are not here to profit from this lawsuit,” Newsom’s attorneys said in a statement. “This is about ensuring that lies have consequences. It’s about protecting the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that elected officials, no matter their political affiliation, are not subjected to baseless attacks from a media empire.”
If Newsom succeeds in his lawsuit, it could set a significant precedent for how media companies are held accountable for their role in spreading false narratives. The case could also help pave the way for further legal challenges against other media outlets that engage in misleading or malicious behavior.
A Personal Commitment to Justice
Newsom’s decision to personally fund the lawsuit by using his campaign account to cover any fines or penalties is a testament to his commitment to this fight. Unlike other politicians who might shy away from confronting powerful media conglomerates, Newsom is taking a stand to protect his reputation and to safeguard the truth.
“I won’t let them get away with it,” Newsom said. “This is about more than just me—it’s about ensuring that our government remains accountable to the people, and that the media is held responsible for spreading lies.”
Newsom’s commitment to transparency and accountability has become a defining characteristic of his leadership style. Whether it’s through his push for progressive policies in California or his efforts to hold Fox News accountable, Newsom has made it clear that he will not back down from a fight.
The Bigger Picture: Restoring Integrity in American Media
This lawsuit also shines a spotlight on the urgent need to restore integrity and trust in American media. With the rise of misinformation and the growing influence of right-wing media outlets, the public is increasingly wary of the news they consume. As figures like Newsom take legal action to combat media manipulation, it’s clear that the fight for a free and fair press is far from over.
In the coming weeks, the lawsuit will likely continue to make headlines, as the case unfolds and more details emerge. Whether or not Newsom wins, his decision to take action sends a clear message that no one—no matter how powerful—should be above the law.
Conclusion: Holding Power to Account
As the battle between Governor Gavin Newsom and Fox News heats up, the outcome of this lawsuit will have far-reaching implications for the relationship between politicians and the media. Newsom’s bold move to hold Fox News accountable for its role in spreading misinformation and smearing his reputation could serve as a blueprint for future legal actions against the media. At a time when truth is under siege and political polarization is at an all-time high, Newsom’s stand is a reminder that the fight for integrity, transparency, and justice must continue—no matter the cost.
