Full Breakdown
Governor Gavin Newsom’s Defamation Suit Heads to Trial
9/10/2026, 12:37:43 AM
Core Event
Governor Gavin Newsom’s lawsuit against Fox News and its parent company Fox Corp. is set for a trial on March 6, 2028. Filed in Delaware, the case seeks $787 million in damages, the same amount the network paid to settle the Dominion voting-machine defamation suit. A Delaware Superior Court judge denied Fox’s motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase, during which subpoenas have been issued to Newsom’s political action committee and senior advisors.
Background & Context
The dispute stems from a phone call between Newsom and President Donald Trump in early June 2025. Newsom publicly said the call occurred on June 6 (California time) – June 7 on the East Coast – and that the National Guard was not discussed. On June 10, Trump told reporters he had spoken with Newsom “a day ago.” Fox hosts Jesse Watters and John Roberts aired edited clips that omitted Trump’s “a day ago” remark and asserted that Newsom lied about the call. Newsom’s complaint alleges that Roberts failed to disclose Trump’s June 10 statement and that Watters’ segment misrepresented the president’s comments.
Official Statements & Responses
Fox News issued a statement defending First Amendment protections for political commentary and free press, describing the lawsuit as “meritless.” The network’s legal team sought dismissal and attorney-fee sanctions, both of which were rejected. Newsom’s attorney, Michael Teter, argues the case holds the network accountable for false reporting that harms the governor’s reputation. Law professor Jessica Levinson notes that while a trial date has been set, it could be moved if it interferes with any future presidential campaign Newsom may launch.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No media empire, no matter how rich and powerful, should get to lie to the American people with impunity,” — Michael Teter, the attorney representing Newsom in the case
- “Called him up to tell him, got to do a better job, he’s doing a bad job,” — President Trump, between the governor
- “Newsom responded, and he said there wasn’t a phone call,” — Jesse Watters
- “Trial dates get changed all the time for much less,” — Jessica Levinson, law school professor
