Trump’s $10 Billion BBC Lawsuit Moves Toward Crucial Deposition

A US federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to give a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, following allegations that he delayed testimony in the case.

US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett issued the order on Thursday, October 22, after the British broadcaster argued that Trump's failure to appear was hindering its ability to prepare a defence.

The case centres on a BBC documentary that edited excerpts from Trump's January 6, 2021, speech before the attack on the US Capitol.

Trump Ordered to Face Questions Under Oath

Trump was scheduled to give a deposition on October 16, but his lawyers cancelled the appearance, citing pressing presidential responsibilities.

The BBC subsequently asked the court to compel him to testify, arguing that the delay was hindering its preparation of a defence.

BBC attorney Charles Tobin challenged Trump's explanation, telling Judge Lett that the stated commitments amounted to “fake news”, reiterating that Trump had attended a political rally and fundraiser instead.

“He was participating in party politics and supported his candidates in the election, and he prioritized that over his obligations in this proceeding,” Tobin said. 

Trump's legal team denied that he was deliberately avoiding the deposition, maintaining that his presidential duties prevented him from attending. A Trump spokesperson said the lawsuit seeks to hold the BBC accountable for defamation and “reckless election interference”.

The court set December 11 as the deadline for Trump's deposition, ahead of the scheduled December 18 close of the discovery period, during which both sides gather evidence. Failure to comply could expose Trump to sanctions, potentially including dismissal of his lawsuit.

The Disputed January 6 Edit 

Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2025, seeking at least $10 billion in damages over a BBC “Panorama” documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance.

The dispute concerns the documentary's editing of his January 6, 2021, speech. 

By combining excerpts from different parts of the address, the programme created the impression that Trump had directly urged supporters to engage in violence before the Capitol riot.

The BBC acknowledged that the edit was misleading and apologised, though it denies ​being liable for defamation. 

The controversy also led to the resignations of senior BBC executives.

Court Sets Next Milestone

The deposition order does not determine whether the BBC defamed Trump or whether he is entitled to damages. Instead, it establishes a deadline for his testimony as the case proceeds.

The dispute highlights the competing legal arguments over the documentary's editing, its impact and the broadcaster's responsibility. Trump's testimony could become an important part of the proceedings as both sides seek evidence to support their positions.

The next key milestone is December 11, when Trump is due to answer questions under oath. The lawsuit's eventual outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the court's assessment of the competing claims.