Fox News is currently involved in several high-profile lawsuits in 2025, primarily centered around defamation claims related to its coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential election and other political controversies. These legal battles have significant implications for media accountability, the limits of the First Amendment, and the consequences of spreading false information in a highly polarized political environment.
Smartmatic Defamation Lawsuit
One of the most prominent ongoing cases is initiated by Smartmatic, a voting technology company that filed a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News and its parent company in 2021. Smartmatic alleges that Fox News knowingly aired false and defamatory content claiming that Smartmatic’s machines rigged the 2020 election to favor Joe Biden, damaging the company’s reputation and business. A New York appellate court recently allowed the case to proceed, including granting Fox News access to disputed documents that may bolster its defense.
Fox News contends that the reputational harm to Smartmatic was primarily due to the company’s own controversial business practices rather than the network’s coverage. Fox’s lawyers argue the case poses a serious challenge to press freedoms by penalizing the reporting of newsworthy allegations made by public figures such as Donald Trump and his legal team. The case is expected to possibly move to trial in 2026 unless a settlement is reached.
Gavin Newsom Defamation Lawsuit
California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News in mid-2025. Newsom accuses Fox News host Jesse Watters of falsely claiming that Newsom lied about his phone call with Donald Trump regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The suit alleges that Fox News’ misleading editing and false statements damaged Newsom’s political standing and violated California’s Unfair Competition Law.
Newsom’s damages claim notably mirrors the $787 million Fox News previously paid to settle a defamation suit with Dominion Voting Systems related to similar 2020 election coverage. Newsom has offered to drop the lawsuit if Fox issues an on-air apology and retracts the false claims. Fox News rejects the allegations, calling the suit a publicity stunt.
Background on Related Defamation Cases
Fox News previously settled a $787.5 million defamation case in 2023 with Dominion Voting Systems over similar false election fraud claims aired on its platforms. This settlement set a major precedent regarding the network’s liability for spreading misinformation. The network has faced ongoing legal scrutiny for allowing hosts and commentators to propagate conspiracy theories that election technology companies manipulated election results.
Legal and Public Impact
These lawsuits highlight critical tensions between protecting free speech and holding media companies accountable for defamation. They reflect broader societal concerns about misinformation’s impact on public trust, political discourse, and the reputations of individuals and corporations. How these cases resolve will influence legal standards around media responsibility, especially regarding coverage of controversial political events.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fox News Lawsuit
What is the Smartmatic lawsuit about?
Smartmatic alleges that Fox News defamed the company by broadcasting false claims that its voting machines rigged the 2020 election, damaging its reputation and business.
What did Gavin Newsom accuse Fox News of?
Newsom claims Fox News defamed him by airing misleading segments falsely accusing him of lying about a phone call with Donald Trump, seeking $787 million in damages.
Has Fox News settled any major defamation lawsuits?
Yes. Fox News settled with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million in 2023 over similar election-related defamation claims.
What is Fox News’ main defense?
Fox News argues that its reporting involved newsworthy allegations made by public officials, protected by the First Amendment, and disputes that the network knowingly broadcast falsehoods.
What is the significance of these lawsuits?
They could redefine liability and accountability for media organizations spreading false information, affecting future election coverage and media regulation.
Conclusion
The Fox News lawsuits in 2025 represent landmark cases at the intersection of media freedom, misinformation, and legal accountability. Ongoing litigation with Smartmatic, Gavin Newsom, and other parties continues to test the boundaries of defamation law in the context of politically charged reporting. These cases will shape how major news outlets handle controversial content and respond to misinformation claims, influencing public trust in the media and the legal landscape governing free speech in the United States.
