Newsom Sues Fox News for $787M Over Defamation

California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News in Delaware, alleging the network and host Jesse Watters deliberately misrepresented a recent phone call between Newsom and President Donald Trump. The lawsuit claims Fox News aired an edited video and provided misleading coverage to suggest Newsom lied about the timing and content of the call, particularly concerning the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles during immigration protests. Newsom's legal team likens the damages sought to the $787 million Fox paid to Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 and demands a retraction and on-air apology, with the promise to withdraw the suit if these are met. The legal action underscores escalating tensions between Newsom and Trump regarding immigration enforcement and military deployment in California. Fox News is now required to formally respond to the complaint. The case highlights broader issues of media integrity and the influence of major news outlets on political discourse.