Donald Trump faces major financial probe as war with BBC steps up
Trump and his lawyers are fighting a major move from the BBC after seeking billions in damages from the broadcasters, which lawyers have accused of deceptively editing a Panorama episode
Donald Trump's ongoing war with the BBC could see the US President subject to a major financial probe, which his legal team is trying to fight.
Trump has launched a $10 billion (£7.49 billion) lawsuit against the UK national broadcaster over the editing of a 2024 Panorana documentary covering the US Capitol riots of 2021. He is seeking the damages from a Florida court after accusing filmmakers of "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring" footage capturing his speech on January 6, before his supporters stormed the Capitol building in Washington DC.
His lawyers have accused the BBC's representatives of conducting a "fishing expedition" after they sought financial information regarding a trust holding the President's business interests and assets.
The BBC's lawyers said the details from the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust, which is managed by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, were needed so it could assess the financial impact of the programme.
Court papers said: “Defendants have requested information from these entities only because plaintiff alleges without limitation that his financial interests have been impacted by defendants’ actions and because plaintiff is the sole beneficiary of a trust that owns or is associated with nearly 400 entities."
The same legal documents contain an argument against the move put forward by Trump's lawyers, stating the demand “is premature, improper, and especially burdensome”.
The representatives claim the BBC's request was not enough to "obtain sweeping financial discovery", adding: “Although plaintiff has alleged that his businesses have suffered damages as a result of the documentary, that alone does not give defendants carte-blanche to obtain sweeping financial discovery from hundreds of non-parties."
Both sides of the lawsuit are now seeking a court ruling on the dispute, although Trump's team have requested a delay pending the outcome of a request for a new judge in the matter, which the BBC opposes.
Trump's lawyers have claimed in separate court papers that magistrate judge Enjolique Lett’s “prior representation of a client that was directly adverse to president Trump creates an appearance of impropriety”.
The BBC's lawyers countered: "The impetus for plaintiff’s request appears to be the flat refusal by the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust – a third party that is represented by the same counsel as plaintiff – to provide any financial information under subpoena, despite plaintiff’s claims that the defendants injured ‘the value of his brand, properties, and businesses’.”
By bringing the lawsuit, Trump has alleged that the Panorama episode, which was broadcast shortly before the 2024 presidential election he won, caused him reputational and financial injury.
The BBC has argued however that the episode, titled Trump: A Second Chance?, was not available to watch in the US - where Trump has brought the lawsuit - either on cable television or streaming platforms. A spokesperson said in March: "It wasn't available to watch in the US on iPlayer, online or any other streaming platforms. We have therefore challenged jurisdiction of the Florida court."
Neither the BBC or BBC Studios has a principal place of business in Florida, and the broadcaster is not "licenced to do business in the state".
The lawsuit, nevertheless, has caused significant backlash for the BBC, prompting a formal apology from the broadcaster and the resignation of former director general Tim Davie. BBC chairman Samir Shah apologised on behalf of the broadcaster over an “error of judgment” and accepted the editing of the programme gave “the impression of a direct call for violent action”.
However, the broadcaster is seeking to have the case thrown out, warning of the “chilling effect” it would have on “robust reporting on public figures and events”.
