Trump's $10B BBC Defamation Suit Backfires as Judge Allows Subpoenas for Aides

Published Jul 22, 05:13 PM UTC

President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC is backfiring after U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett ruled that the BBC can subpoena Trump's closest advisers and family members, including Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon, to determine his actual goals on January 6, 2021. The lawsuit stems from a 2024 BBC Panorama episode titled 'Trump, a Second Chance,' which Trump claims defamed him by editing his January 6 speech to highlight his 'fight like hell' comment while omitting his call for peaceful protest. The BBC had apologized but refused to pay damages. Judge Lett also ruled that Trump must hand over financial records from his more than 400 businesses, as he claimed the episode harmed his brand and businesses. The ruling could expose Trump's inner circle and financial dealings, marking a significant legal setback.