US court sets deadline for Trump deposition in case against BBC

Federal Judge Enjolik Lett has set a clear deadline for US President Donald Trump: he must provide testimony in the court proceedings against the British broadcaster BBC by 11 December. Failure to comply with this order could result in sanctions from the court, including the dismissal of the lawsuit, unless the discovery period is officially extended after 18 December.

Conflict over deposition date

During a hearing held on 22 October, BBC's legal representatives pointed to attempts by Trump's side to delay the process. The broadcaster's lawyer, Charles Tobin, stated that the parties had previously agreed to hold the deposition on 16 October. However, the US president cancelled the meeting, citing "matters of national importance." The BBC lawyer added that on that day, Trump was participating in campaign events in the state of Georgia.

According to the defence lawyer, approximately two months remain until the end of the discovery phase, yet the plaintiff has not yet been deposed.

Essence of the lawsuit and allegations

The lawsuit against the British broadcaster was filed in December 2025. Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages, accusing BBC of defamation, unfair trade, and deceptive business practices. The claims are based on the documentary film "Trump: The Second Chance."

The main point of contention became the editing of a speech Trump delivered to supporters on 6 January 2021, shortly before the storming of the US Capitol. The film's creators combined fragments from different parts of the address, which could create the impression that Trump directly called for violence.

BBC acknowledged the editing error and apologised. Following the scandal, the corporation's leadership changed: the company's chairman and the head of the news service resigned. Meanwhile, the broadcaster maintains that there was no defamation on the part of the company.

Procedural deadlines

The discovery phase, during which the parties exchange documents and other materials, is due to conclude on 18 December. BBC's lawyers insist on the necessity of conducting Trump's deposition before this date. The president's side stated its readiness to consider a later date if other court hearing deadlines are also postponed. However, the judge emphasised that only the court can make changes to the trial schedule.