At the heart of the case is a televised segment aired by Fox News host Jesse Watters, in which a selectively edited clip of Trump suggested that Newsom had privately praised him and asked for support during the COVID-19 pandemic — a claim the Governor staunchly denies. According to the complaint, the video was doctored to distort the truth and undermine Newsom’s credibility, all while reinforcing partisan narratives.
Newsom’s legal team accuses the network of “manufacturing controversy for political gain,” alleging the company “knowingly spread lies” in pursuit of viewership and profit. The $787 million figure is no coincidence — it mirrors the amount Fox News paid in 2023 to settle a landmark defamation case with Dominion Voting Systems over false election claims.
Fox News, however, has dismissed the lawsuit as a politically motivated stunt. A spokesperson called the claims “baseless,” asserting that the network will vigorously defend its First Amendment rights. The company contends that its reporting falls under protected free speech, arguing that criticism of public officials is a vital part of democratic discourse.
The legal battle is expected to test the boundaries of defamation law and press freedom in America. As a public figure, Newsom must prove that Fox acted with “actual malice” — that is, they knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Legal analysts say the lawsuit could have serious implications for how media companies handle political coverage. “This case is not just about one news segment,” said constitutional law professor Emily Stone. “It’s about whether media outlets can continue to distort facts without legal consequences.”
