Trump's Family Could Be Deposed in BBC Defamation Suit Despite Possible Shielding of Financial Records
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Legal experts say Donald Trump's relatives may still be subject to discovery in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, even if a judge limits access to his business documents.
A U.S. district judge has temporarily halted an order that would require Donald Trump to produce financial records from his family trust while the court considers a narrowed complaint in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC. The case, filed over a documentary edit of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, alleges defamation and unfair trade practices.
Media and First Amendment attorney Deanna Shullman said family members who hold relevant information could be “fair game” for discovery, including depositions and requests for correspondence with the president. Law professor Howard Wasserman added that relatives may be treated as non-party witnesses if they possess knowledge pertinent to the case.
Trump’s lawyers argue the BBC’s subpoena is overly broad, seeking the trust’s “entire financial universe.” They contend that an amended complaint, which would focus solely on reputational harm, could render the financial records irrelevant. Judge Roy Altman granted a temporary pause on production while the amendment is reviewed, but did not overturn the earlier order that required a narrower set of records.
The BBC has apologized for the edit but denies defamation and is seeking dismissal of the suit. The White House declined to comment.