The BBC asked a U.S. federal court on Friday to compel testimony and documents from three members of Donald Trump's family [1], [2].
The request marks a significant escalation in a legal battle over the broadcaster's reporting on the events of January 6. The outcome will determine if the former president's inner circle must provide evidence to defend the network against claims of massive financial loss.
In the motion filed Friday, Aug. 16, the broadcaster sought the cooperation of Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. [3]. The BBC said this testimony is necessary to defend itself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump in December 2025 [1], [2].
Trump is seeking $10 billion in damages [1]. He said that the broadcaster's edited coverage of his January 6 speech defamed him and caused significant harm [1], [2].
The legal proceedings are taking place in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami [3]. The BBC is requesting that the court help obtain documents and testimony that it cannot secure through other means.
This motion is part of a broader effort by the network to challenge the validity of the $10 billion claim [1]. By subpoenaing family members, the BBC aims to gather evidence regarding the actual impact of its reporting on the former president's reputation, and finances.
“The BBC asked a U.S. federal court on Friday to compel testimony and documents from three members of Donald Trump's family.”
This legal move indicates the BBC is pursuing a robust defense strategy by attempting to pierce the inner circle of the plaintiff. By targeting the testimony of family members, the broadcaster likely hopes to find contradictions in the claims of damages or evidence that the edited reporting did not result in the $10 billion loss alleged by the former president.
