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BBC Censors Historian's Critique of Trump's Corruption

11/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian, says the British Broadcasting Corporation censored his Reith Lecture by removing a statement calling U.S. President Donald Trump "the most openly corrupt president in American history."
He says the action came from the BBC's highest levels and followed Trump's threat to sue.
The BBC defends its edit, citing legal advice, while Bregman notes the lecture critiques the cowardice of elites in media and politics.

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Story summary

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian, says the British Broadcasting Corporation censored his Reith Lecture by removing a statement calling U.S. President Donald Trump "the most openly corrupt president in American history."
He says the action came from the BBC's highest levels and followed Trump's threat to sue.
The BBC defends its edit, citing legal advice, while Bregman notes the lecture critiques the cowardice of elites in media and politics.