The BBC has approached a U.S. court to obtain documents and testimony from members of former President Donald Trump’s family. This is part of the broadcaster’s defense in a $10 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Trump. Legal representatives for the BBC insist that Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. possess ‘personal knowledge’ and possibly hold records pertinent to the defamation claims.
The lawsuit, initiated by Trump in December, accuses the BBC of defamation and unfair practices. The dispute focuses on a 2024 documentary that allegedly misrepresented Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021. Trump’s legal team claims the BBC edited the speech to mislead viewers and influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Despite an apology from the BBC for the editing, they reject the defamation accusation.
Lawyers for the BBC have expressed difficulty in serving subpoenas due to Secret Service protection surrounding Trump’s family. According to recent filings, the BBC requested Trump to accept subpoenas on behalf of his family or allow the Secret Service to facilitate the service. Both requests were denied. The court document also highlights that Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump may have been present during critical discussions related to the speech.
The BBC has requested the court’s permission to serve subpoenas via email and certified mail. The court has given Trump’s attorneys until Friday to respond to this request. Trump’s legal representatives assert that the BBC seeks to deflect from its responsibilities and accuse the broadcaster of harassment through depositions.
A tentative trial date has been set for February. Recently, a federal judge in Florida granted Trump a temporary reprieve from disclosing financial details of his business as part of the lawsuit. Judge Roy Altman agreed to pause the order while considering Trump’s refined complaint, which seeks to narrow claims of damage to his business and reputation.
Coverage and insights on this case were supported by Associated Press journalists Kate Brumback in Atlanta and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington.