Fox News Settles Newsom Lawsuit?
California’s liberal governor is facing major pushback — and possible embarrassment — after taking on Fox News in court.
Fox News is moving to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), calling it a baseless “publicity stunt” aimed at generating headlines and boosting his national profile ahead of a rumored 2028 presidential bid.
The legal fight centers on a claim from prime-time host Jesse Watters, who reported that Newsom lied about a phone call with President Donald Trump during a tense immigration enforcement dispute. Newsom publicly denied the call ever happened — but Fox says it has proof the conversation took place just days before his denial.
Back in June, Newsom accused the network of “lying to the American people on Donald Trump’s behalf,” likening the situation to the Dominion case. But Fox’s attorneys argue that the governor’s lawsuit is nothing more than a calculated political move.
In a statement Thursday, Fox News made it clear they aren’t backing down:
“This lawsuit is nothing more than a blatant publicity grab and a complete misuse of the court’s time and resources. No amount of revisions will change that fact.”
The network also noted that Newsom could be forced to pay Fox’s legal fees if the lawsuit collapses — adding another layer of risk for the Democrat governor.
Watters has since clarified his remarks, explaining that Newsom “didn’t deceive anybody on purpose” but was “confusing and unclear” with his public comments.
Newsom, a long-time critic of Fox News, has repeatedly targeted the Rupert Murdoch-owned network — even as its top-rated hosts continue exposing the failures of progressive policies and defending President Trump’s America First agenda.
