BBC Seeks Subpoenas to Trump Family Amid Defamation Suit
In an effort to defend itself against a 2026 U.S. federal lawsuit that could cost the broadcaster up to $10 billion, the BBC has moved to obtain court‑ordered subpoenas for documents and sworn testimony from former President Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr, daughter Ivanka Trump, and son‑in‑law Jared Kushner.
The lawsuit alleges that a Panorama episode edited two excerpts from Trump’s January 2021 address at the Capitol, giving the false impression that he urged violent action. The BBC has apologised for the editing error, but insists the clip does not meet the legal definition of defamation and the program was not made available on its U.S. platforms.
Legal filings claim the family members were present during the recording and had “personal knowledge” of Trump’s intent, making their testimony relevant to the defense. The BBC notes that Trump Jr and Ivanka were nearby when the former president revised the speech and that Kushner drafted a proposed condemnation of violence.
Attempts to serve the subpoenas in person have repeatedly failed: a dispatcher was turned back at a Florida police checkpoint, and the Secret Service declined to hand over the documents at their Florida residence. At Trump Tower in New York, the concierge reported that the usual recipients were unavailable. The court has been asked to allow service by email and certified mail instead.
Failure to comply would result in penalties, as the subpoenas are orders for a witness to answer questions under oath or produce evidence. The BBC’s press office declined to comment, while Trump’s legal team has been asked for comment and has already dropped the BBC’s commercial arm from the suit.
A judge has approved a delay for the court’s demand that the BBC hand over financial documents, but the plaintiff argues the disclosure would inflict irreparable harm. The next hearing is scheduled for February 2027, pending any settlement or further legal motions.
The BBC’s newsroom remains editorially independent from the rest of the corporation as it continues to navigate this high‑stakes legal battle.
