Fact Check: Newsom's Feud with Trump Escalates as He Sues Fox News Over Misleading Claims
What We Know
California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News, seeking at least $787 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, accuses the network of making misleading statements regarding a phone call between Newsom and former President Donald Trump. Newsom claims that Fox News distorted the facts surrounding this call, particularly in segments aired by host Jesse Watters, who alleged that Newsom lied about the conversation (New York Times, UPI).
The lawsuit stems from a phone call that took place late on June 6, 2025, where Trump reportedly discussed deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid immigration protests. Following the call, Trump claimed in a press conference that he had spoken with Newsom "a day ago," which Newsom refuted, stating there was "no call" on that day (CalMatters, ABC News).
Newsom's lawsuit demands a retraction and an on-air apology from Fox News, and he indicated that he would drop the suit if these conditions were met (New York Times).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding Newsom's lawsuit is substantial, as it is supported by statements from both parties involved. Newsom's legal team argues that Fox News engaged in deceptive practices by editing video segments to misrepresent the nature of the call and to falsely claim that Newsom had lied (UPI, CalMatters).
Fox News has responded by labeling the lawsuit a "transparent publicity stunt" aimed at suppressing critical speech about Newsom (New York Times). This response raises questions about the motivations behind the lawsuit and whether it is primarily a legal action or a strategic political maneuver in the ongoing rivalry between Newsom and Trump.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this lawsuit is generally high, with major news outlets like The New York Times, UPI, and ABC News providing detailed coverage. However, it is important to note that Fox News has a vested interest in framing the narrative in a way that minimizes the impact of the lawsuit on its reputation (CalMatters).
Conclusion
The claim that Newsom's feud with Trump has escalated due to his lawsuit against Fox News over misleading claims is True. The lawsuit is a direct response to allegations made by Fox News regarding a phone call with Trump, and it seeks significant damages while also demanding a retraction and apology. The evidence presented supports the notion that Newsom is taking a stand against what he perceives as misinformation propagated by a major news outlet.
