A federal judge has ordered President Trump to sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC, rejecting his legal team's efforts to delay testimony until early next year. U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett ruled that Trump must be questioned by BBC attorneys before Dec. 11, warning that failure to comply could result in sanctions, including dismissal of the case.
The ruling, reported by the Associated Press, comes after Trump's lawyers had informed the BBC that the president would be available for a deposition in the second or third week of January 2027—a timeline the court found unacceptable. The president had originally been scheduled to testify on Oct. 16, but his attorneys abruptly canceled, citing “other matters of national importance.”
Trump's $10 billion lawsuit centers on a BBC documentary that examined his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The film includes footage of Trump addressing supporters before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, but it omits his remarks telling the crowd to march “peacefully and patriotically” to the Capitol that day. Trump alleges the editing was deliberately misleading and defamatory.
The BBC has apologized for the edit and has since parted ways with several senior leaders, but the broadcaster has vowed to vigorously contest the lawsuit. The case has drawn attention to the intersection of media accountability and presidential power, with some legal experts noting that forcing a sitting president to testify is rare but not unprecedented.
This development comes amid broader political tensions, as Trump continues to challenge election results and faces multiple legal battles. His recent rally in Iowa highlighted his ongoing influence over the GOP, even as public confidence in federal institutions hits new lows.
The judge's order sets a firm deadline, and any further delay could jeopardize Trump's case. His lawyers have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the ruling, but the clock is now ticking toward a December deposition.
This case is part of a pattern of Trump pursuing legal action against media outlets he believes have treated him unfairly. Earlier this year, he filed suit against a major network over a similar editing dispute. The BBC case, however, is notable for its size and the involvement of a foreign broadcaster.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether Trump complies or seeks to challenge the order. For now, the court has made clear that the president's testimony is essential to the proceedings.
