Story perspectives

Judge Orders Discovery Hearing After Trump Skips BBC Deposition

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump could face sanctions for refusing a deposition in the BBC’s $10 billion lawsuit.
Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett admonished Trump for non-participation.
He scheduled a discovery hearing for Thursday.
The BBC moved to compel Trump’s deposition after he cancelled the October 16 date on September 28, citing national importance.
BBC attorneys also seek to subpoena Special Counsel Jack Smith, noting he has not objected.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 the Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision in United States v. Nixon, written by Justice Harry Blackmun, rejected executive privilege as a shield for criminal evidence, forcing President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office tapes. The ruling established judicial authority over presidential claims, a precedent cited as Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett urges former President Donald Trump to comply with a BBC deposition today.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump could face sanctions for refusing a deposition in the BBC’s $10 billion lawsuit.
Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett admonished Trump for non-participation.
He scheduled a discovery hearing for Thursday.
The BBC moved to compel Trump’s deposition after he cancelled the October 16 date on September 28, citing national importance.
BBC attorneys also seek to subpoena Special Counsel Jack Smith, noting he has not objected.

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