A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC.
US Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett ruled from the bench that Trump must answer questions under oath from the broadcaster’s lawyers, according to a spokesman for Trump’s personal legal team. The BBC had accused Trump of stalling to avoid the deposition, which was originally scheduled for October 16 but canceled by Trump’s lawyers, who cited conflicts with presidential duties.
BBC attorneys argued Trump was campaigning in Georgia on October 16, not addressing national security matters. Charles Tobin, a lawyer for the BBC, said Trump “was participating in party politics and prioritised that over sitting for the deposition.”
The lawsuit stems from a BBC *Panorama* documentary that spliced together clips from Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech, creating what Trump’s lawyers call a misleading impression that he directed supporters to storm the US Capitol. The BBC later admitted the edit was misleading and apologized, though it denies liability for defamation. The case contributed to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness.
Trump’s legal team maintains the lawsuit aims to hold the BBC accountable for defamation and “reckless election interference.” The BBC has sought financial records from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and related business entities, arguing they are necessary to defend against the damages claim. Trump’s lawyers call the requests overly broad and irrelevant.
The deposition order sets a firm deadline, with the judge warning that failure to comply could result in sanctions, including the dismissal of the lawsuit.
