Judge Orders Trump to Give Deposition in BBC Defamation Case by December 11

A United States judge has ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, warning that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including dismissal of the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett issued the order on Thursday after the BBC's lawyers complained that Trump had repeatedly delayed his deposition, which they say is necessary to prepare their defence.

Dispute Over Deposition Date

The BBC's lawyer, Charles Tobin, told the court that both sides had agreed to October 16 for Trump's deposition, but the president cancelled, citing matters of national importance. According to the BBC, Trump was campaigning in Georgia at the time. The broadcaster said Trump's legal team later indicated that he would not be available before the discovery period closes on December 18, proposing instead that the deposition take place in January 2027. Judge Lett directed Trump to appear by December 11 unless the discovery deadline is extended. Failure to comply could result in sanctions.

Why Trump Is Suing the BBC

Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2025, seeking $10 billion in damages over the BBC documentary *Trump: A Second Chance*. He accused the broadcaster of defamation and deceptive and unfair trade practices. The dispute centres on the editing of a speech Trump delivered to supporters on January 6, 2021, before the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The BBC acknowledged that the documentary combined excerpts from different parts of the speech in a way that could give the impression that Trump was directly urging violence. The broadcaster apologised for the editing, and its director-general and head of news resigned. However, the BBC has denied that the documentary defamed Trump.

BBC Seeks Testimony From Former Special Counsel

The BBC has also subpoenaed former special counsel Jack Smith, who investigated Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his actions surrounding January 6. Trump's lawyers oppose the request, arguing that Smith lacks direct personal knowledge of the speech's preparation and delivery and that his previous report and testimony already provide the relevant information. The BBC maintains that Smith's extensive investigation makes him an important source of evidence as it prepares its defence. The case is continuing as the court presses both sides to complete the evidence-gathering process within the established timetable.

The Associated Press