In the world of American politics, lawsuits are nothing new. But when California Governor Gavin Newsom decided to drag Fox News into court, accusing prime-time host Jesse Watters of defaming him on national television, it set the stage for one of the most explosive political-media clashes in years.

The numbers alone made headlines: $787 million in damages — a figure intentionally mirroring the $787.5 million Fox paid to Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 to settle its own defamation scandal. But this isn’t just about the money. It’s about pride, politics, and the brutal fight for credibility in an age where perception often matters more than truth.

The Call That Sparked a Firestorm

The drama began in early June 2025, in the tense days following large protests in Los Angeles over ICE raids. President Donald Trump — in his second term — responded by sending 2,000 National Guard troops into California, a move Newsom opposed.

Trump claimed he had called Newsom to tell him he was “doing a bad job” and putting lives at risk. Newsom, in a sharp post on X, flatly denied that any such call had happened: “There was no call. Not even a voicemail.”

For Fox News host Jesse Watters, the statement was a red flag waving in front of a bull. On his June 10 broadcast, he played an edited clip of Trump’s remarks — conveniently omitting the part where Trump said the call happened “a day ago” — and then turned to the camera to ask, “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?”

The show even slapped a bold on-screen graphic across the screen: “Gavin Lied About Trump’s Call.”

The Lawsuit Lands

Newsom struck back hard. On June 27, he filed suit in Delaware Superior Court, accusing Fox News and Watters of knowingly broadcasting false information and deliberately editing Trump’s comments to make him look dishonest.

Newsom’s legal team sent Fox News a clear ultimatum: issue a formal retraction and have Watters deliver an on-air apology, and the lawsuit would go away.

But Watters didn’t give Newsom what he wanted. On July 17, Watters offered something halfway:

“He wasn’t lying. He didn’t deceive anybody on purpose, so I’m sorry. He was just confusing and unclear.”

It was the kind of apology that sounded more like a shrug than an admission. And for Newsom, it wasn’t even close to enough. His spokesperson delivered the Governor’s terse response to Variety:

“Discovery will be fun. See you in court, buddy.”

Fox Strikes Back

Fox News, for its part, has dismissed the lawsuit as “a transparent publicity stunt” and “frivolous.” In a statement, the network accused Newsom of trying to chill free speech critical of him and promised to “defend this case vigorously” until it’s thrown out.

Behind the scenes, Fox insiders are reportedly bracing for a legal slugfest that could drag into the 2026 election cycle — a dangerous time for a network that prides itself on shaping political narratives.

The Stakes Are Bigger Than One Call

While the fight might seem to hinge on a single phone call, the stakes are far larger. Newsom has positioned himself as a fierce defender of “truth and trust” in media, accusing Fox of “assaulting” both with its coverage. The Governor knows that taking on Fox is risky — the network has an army of lawyers, deep pockets, and a loyal audience that thrives on confrontation.

But for Newsom, the lawsuit offers more than just a chance to correct the record. It’s an opportunity to frame himself as a warrior against misinformation — a role that could pay political dividends far beyond California.

Watters, meanwhile, is no stranger to controversy. As one of Fox’s most combative voices, he thrives in the chaos, turning attacks into fodder for his audience. To his fans, the lawsuit is proof that he’s hitting the right nerves.

A Trial in the Court of Public Opinion

The irony is that by taking the fight to court, Newsom has given Watters and Fox an even bigger stage. Every filing, every hearing, every fiery press conference will be dissected and debated across cable news, talk radio, and social media.

Even if the case never reaches a jury, it’s already a trial in the court of public opinion — one where perception could matter as much as legal reality.

For now, both sides seem to welcome the fight. Watters appears eager to keep poking the bear, while Newsom, with his “See you in court” bravado, seems ready for the long haul.

And somewhere in the middle of all this? The American public, left to decide whether this is a noble battle for truth — or just another high-priced spectacle in an era that can’t get enough drama.

One thing’s certain: when $787 million, two political heavyweights, and the nation’s most-watched cable news network collide, the story isn’t going away anytime soon.