‘See you in court’ — Fox News hit with fresh legal trouble as Watters backtracks on Newsom claim, sparks confusion and courtroom showdown
Fox News is once again facing legal heat after comments aired during a July segment have now sparked backlash — and the threat of another courtroom battle.
The controversy centers on statements made by primetime host Jesse Watters, who suggested California Governor Gavin Newsom had lied about a conversation with former President Donald Trump regarding military deployment. Watters’ implication came after Trump claimed he had spoken with Newsom about using troops to handle protests — a statement Newsom flatly denied.
Now, the record has been clarified — and the consequences may be severe.
Newsom’s office confirmed that his last call with Trump occurred on June 7, and no military discussion took place. “The president’s comments were misleading, plain and simple,” a spokesperson said, doubling down on the administration’s frustration with the false narrative.
Interestingly, Watters has since walked back the accusation — admitting on air that Newsom technically “did not lie,” but still referring to his statements as “confusing.”
Legal experts say that might not be enough to avoid the courtroom.
“This isn’t just a correction — it’s an acknowledgment of harm,” said a First Amendment attorney familiar with the case. “If Fox News allowed a false narrative to circulate with political impact, they’re liable under certain defamation standards.”
The news follows a string of costly defamation settlements for Fox, including its high-profile Dominion lawsuit. Observers say Newsom’s team may now be weighing its options as the network faces mounting scrutiny over how it covers political figures — especially those frequently at odds with Trump.
As calls for accountability grow louder, one phrase from the governor’s inner circle is beginning to echo louder than ever:
“See you in court.”
