Fact Check: Newsom's lawsuit escalates feud with Trump and Fox News!

What We Know

California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against Fox News, alleging defamation related to a phone call he had with former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, seeks $787 million in damages and aims to prohibit Fox News from broadcasting segments that claim Newsom lied about the call (AP News, Reuters). The conflict arises from a segment aired on Fox News where anchor Jesse Watters allegedly edited a clip of Trump discussing the call with Newsom, leading to assertions that Newsom was dishonest about the conversation (New York Times).

Newsom's lawsuit claims that Fox News's actions were part of a broader pattern of misinformation that undermines public trust in media (CalMatters). He stated, "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" (Politico).

Analysis

The lawsuit reflects an ongoing feud between Newsom and Trump, particularly following Trump's controversial decision to deploy military troops to Los Angeles amid immigration protests. Newsom's legal action is notable for its high-profile nature and the substantial damages sought, mirroring the $787 million settlement Fox News reached with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 over similar defamation claims (Reuters, New York Times).

Critics of Newsom's lawsuit, including Fox News, have labeled it a "transparent publicity stunt" aimed at stifling free speech (AP News). This characterization raises questions about the motivations behind the lawsuit. Legal experts suggest that while the suit may have political implications, it also highlights the challenges of proving defamation, especially against a media outlet (CalMatters).

Both sides have presented their narratives: Newsom claims that Fox's edits misrepresented the facts, while Fox maintains that the lawsuit is frivolous and an attempt to silence criticism (Politico). The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how public figures engage with media outlets over perceived misinformation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Newsom's lawsuit escalates feud with Trump and Fox News" is accurate. The lawsuit indeed represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Newsom and Trump, particularly in the context of media portrayal and political discourse. The nature of the lawsuit, the high damages sought, and the public statements from both parties confirm that this legal action is a pivotal moment in their contentious relationship.