Trump’s $10 Billion Defamation Suit Against the BBC: Deposition Dispute and Subpoena Battle

U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett ordered former President Donald Trump to appear for a deposition by mid-December, warning that failure could trigger sanctions up to dismissal of his $10 billion lawsuit. The discovery period closes on Dec 18; any further delay requires a court extension.

Associated Press

Trump filed the suit in Florida in December, seeking $5 billion for alleged defamation and $5 billion for alleged unfair trade practices. The claim stems from the BBC Panorama documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?” which edited excerpts of Trump’s Jan 6, 2021 speech to suggest he urged supporters to storm the Capitol. The broadcaster later apologized for the edit, and its Director General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness resigned, but the BBC continues to deny defamation.

Newsweek

The BBC’s defense includes a subpoena for former special counsel Jack Smith, who authored the public report on the Jan 6 violence. The BBC argues that Smith’s investigative work makes him “the most authoritative source” on the events.

Associated Press

• Damages sought: $10 billion total.

Associated Press

• Discovery deadline: Dec 18.

Newsweek

• Proposed deposition window: Jan 11 – Jan 22.

Newsweek

• Scheduled trial start: Feb 15 (provisional).

The London Economic

• BBC attorney Charles Tobin said the broadcaster has been unable to depose the plaintiff despite two months left in discovery and that the plaintiff “canceled” the Oct 16 date for “matters of national importance.”

Associated Press

• Judge Lett warned that continued non-compliance could lead to sanctions and noted that the BBC’s discovery requests have been “to no avail.”

Newsweek

The BBC points to Trump’s appearance at a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, on Oct 16 as evidence that “matters of national importance” did not preclude his deposition. Trump’s counsel cites broader national-security concerns—including the Iran conflict, Middle-East unrest, and the Russia-Ukraine war—as the basis for postponement. The court must decide whether the rally constitutes a legitimate excuse.

Newsweek

• “He was participating in party politics and prioritized that over sitting for the deposition,” — Charles Tobin, attorney

Associated Press

• “Those delays have flouted the cooperative spirit of discovery and precluded the BBC from obtaining the evidence necessary to robustly litigate its defense,” — Charles Tobin, attorney

Newsweek

• Sept 28 2026: BBC receives notice that Trump is unavailable for the Oct 16 deposition.

Newsweek

• Oct 16: Original deposition date cancelled.

Newsweek

• Dec 18: Discovery deadline.

Newsweek

• Jan 11 – Jan 22: Proposed deposition window.

Newsweek

• Feb 15 (scheduled): Provisional start of the two-week trial.

Associated Press

The court will hear the BBC’s subpoena of Jack Smith and decide whether Trump must appear for deposition within the Jan 11-Jan 22 window. Non-compliance could result in sanctions, potentially including dismissal of the case. The trial is slated to begin on Feb 15, pending resolution of the discovery disputes.

Newsweek