US Court Directs Donald Trump to Give Sworn Deposition in Multi-Billion Dollar Suit Against BBC

A federal magistrate judge has ordered President Donald Trump to answer questions under oath by December 11 in his defamation case against the BBC. US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett issued the directive during a Thursday hearing after lawyers for the broadcaster pointed out that the plaintiff had still not been questioned while only two months remained in the discovery window. Lett stressed that taking part in discovery brings heavy burdens, yet remains a required step for anyone who chooses to file a lawsuit in court. The judge warned that the legal action could face dismissal if Trump's legal team fails to hand over required documents that the BBC needs for its defense. The dispute centers on a Florida lawsuit filed in December 2025 where Trump seeks ten billion dollars in damages. The complaint claims defamation and trade practice violations over a Panorama episode that edited together separate parts of a January 6, 2021 speech to make it seem like he urged people to fight. The BBC later said sorry for the mistake, admitting the edit created a false impression of a direct call for violence. The network has asked the court to throw out the case, stating the program does not meet legal standards for defamation and was not aired in the United States. Court records show Trump's team previously dropped commercial arm BBC Studios from the action after admitting they lacked proof the documentary was available on US platforms. Trump previously cancelled an October 16 deposition due to campaign duties in Georgia. In a Wednesday filing, his attorneys suggested scheduling the interview between January 11 and 22, insisting they were not dodging the process. Lett noted the December deadline could shift if the discovery period gets extended.

Context

A deposition is a formal legal step where a witness answers questions under oath outside a courtroom before a trial begins. The answers are recorded in writing and can be used later as evidence in court proceedings.