US judge orders Donald Trump to face BBC lawyers by December

A United States judge has ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition by 11 December in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC. US Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett issued the order on Thursday. Al Jazeera, the South China Morning Post, and Euronews reported that the lawsuit seeks 10 billion dollars in damages, with Euronews noting that this equals 8.6 billion euros. [1][2][3][4]

The BBC reported that Trump is suing the broadcaster over an episode of Panorama that edited together two different sections of a speech he delivered in 2021 before the riot at the US Capitol. Donald John Trump is currently serving as the 47th president of the United States after previously serving as the 45th president. [1][10]

According to the BBC, Trump cancelled a planned interview under oath on 16 October, citing matters of national importance. However, a lawyer for the broadcaster stated in court that Trump had been campaigning in Georgia on that date and had prioritized political activity over giving evidence. [1]

Euronews reported that BBC attorney Charles Tobin told the court that the broadcaster had not yet been able to depose Trump despite having only two months remaining in the legal discovery process. Euronews also reported that the BBC accused Trump of trying to delay his testimony until January 2027. [4]

Al Jazeera and Euronews both reported that Trump could face court sanctions, including the potential dismissal of his lawsuit, if he fails to meet the deadline. Euronews added that sanctions would apply unless the discovery period is extended beyond 18 December. [2][4]