US President Donald Trump has been ordered to give evidence under oath by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, after a judge warned he could face sanctions if he fails to comply.
Judge Enjolique Lett issued the order in Miami on Thursday, following complaints from the British broadcaster that Trump had repeatedly failed to attend a deposition, including cancelling a previously agreed date of October 16.
If Trump does not give his deposition by the deadline, he risks sanctions that could include the dismissal of his lawsuit.
The case centres on the BBC’s editing of its documentary Trump: A Second Chance, which Trump claims misleadingly portrayed him as inciting violence during his January 6, 2021, speech to supporters ahead of the attack on the US Capitol.
The crowd subsequently stormed Congress in an attempt to prevent the formal certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
The BBC has apologised over the editing, which led to the resignations of several senior executives. However, the broadcaster denies that the documentary caused Trump any real harm and has asked the court to dismiss the case.
Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2025, seeking at least $5 billion in damages on each of two counts.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Charles Tobin, a lawyer representing the BBC, argued that Trump had no valid reason to avoid giving evidence. He said the president had cancelled his October 16 appearance because he was campaigning and participating in party politics.
“No plaintiff is above the law,” Tobin told the court.
In a filing submitted on Wednesday, Trump’s legal team denied that he was attempting to evade questioning, arguing instead that he had been occupied with “matters of national importance”.
His lawyers said he would be available to give a deposition between January 11 and 22, a period that falls after the deadline imposed by the judge.
The legal battle comes amid continuing tensions between Trump and the media. Throughout his two presidential terms, he has repeatedly criticised journalists and news organisations over coverage he considers unfavourable.
His administration has also become embroiled in disputes involving CNN, MSNOW and Politico over attempts to restrict their access to the White House.
Trump’s legal challenge against the BBC is one of several high-profile confrontations between the president and news organisations as he faces mounting political pressure ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.