Trump Ordered to Give Deposition in USD 10 Billion BBC Defamation Case by December 11

A US federal magistrate judge has ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his USD 10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, warning that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including dismissal of the case.

US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett issued the order on Thursday after the BBC's lawyers complained that Trump had delayed his testimony despite the discovery period nearing its conclusion. Charles Tobin, representing the British broadcaster, told the court that Trump had cancelled a previously agreed deposition scheduled for October 16, citing a matter of national importance. Tobin alleged that Trump instead prioritised campaigning in Georgia.

The judge said Trump must appear by December 11 or face possible dismissal of his lawsuit, unless the presiding judge extends the schedule. The discovery period, during which both sides exchange evidence, is due to end on December 18.

Trump filed the lawsuit last December over the BBC documentary Trump: A Second Chance, accusing the publicly funded broadcaster of defamation and deceptive and unfair trade practices. The BBC acknowledged that the documentary spliced together portions of his January 6, 2021, speech to make it appear that he directly urged violence before the US Capitol riot. It apologised for the editing, prompting the resignations of its chief and top news executive, but has denied defaming Trump.

The judge also permitted Trump's deposition to be video-recorded, restricting access to attorneys and ruling out public release.

Meanwhile, the court directed the Department of Justice to respond by November 2 to former special counsel Jack Smith's request for permission to testify. The BBC subpoenaed Smith, arguing his knowledge of the January 6 events could help its defence. Trump's lawyers opposed the move, saying Smith lacked firsthand knowledge of the president's speech or state of mind.

Lett also allowed the BBC to obtain records on membership applications and fees at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida between January 6, 2020, and January 6, 2026. The broadcaster argued the information could help assess potential damages and Trump's reputation.