Trump’s Family Targeted in BBC Defamation Case Despite Efforts to Protect Private Financial Records
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Legal experts say Donald Trump’s family could still be dragged into discovery in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, even as the former president seeks to defend his business privacy from overreaching subpoenas.
A U.S. district judge has temporarily halted an order that would force Donald Trump to produce sensitive financial records from his family trust, as the court reviews a more focused complaint in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC. The case, which centers on a misleading documentary edit of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech, alleges defamation and unfair trade practices—another example of mainstream media attacking conservative voices.
Media and First Amendment attorney Deanna Shullman said Trump’s 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, raising concerns about the left’s willingness to drag private citizens into political battles.
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 make 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, after issuing an apology for the edit, denies defamation and is seeking dismissal of the suit. The White House declined to comment, remaining silent as Trump continues to fight for his reputation against biased media attacks.