The British Broadcasting Corporation has taken the unlikely step of seeking subpoenas for documents and sworn testimony from key members of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family as it fights back against a $10 bn (£7.4 bn) defamation claim lodged by the former commander‑in‑chief.


Court documents released in early May show BBC Legal representatives attempted to serve Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner with subpoenas in New York, Florida and ostensibly other locations. Attempts to deliver the papers in person were thwarted: a U.S. Secret Service checkpoint stopped a delivery to a Florida residence, and a concierge at Trump Tower said the usual point‑of‑contact was on lunch break.


The subpoenas aim to force family members, who are said to have direct knowledge of the president’s handling of his pre‑Capitol‑riots speech, to provide evidence that could be used to rebut the BBC’s claim that the “Panorama” episode was a deliberate, malicious edit of a speech that incorrectly implied Trump called for violence.


Trump’s lawsuit, filed in Florida last December, refers to a 2024 BBC programme that merged two separate excerpts of the president’s speech, allegedly planting the idea that he “directly called for violent action.” The broadcaster apologized for the error but insists it does not meet the legal definition of defamation, and has requested the court dismiss the claim entirely.


The BBC’s legal team notes that the extensive documentation and testimony sought from the Trump family will demonstrate the context of the speech’s delivery – including the presence of Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump in the room when the president revised and issued his remarks, and Jared Kushner’s pre‑written statement urging condemnation of violence.


In addition to subpoenas, the BBC has asked the court to waive the requirement to hand over select financial records, arguing that the lawsuit – which also claims the programme harmed the president’s business interests – was never available on U.S. BBC platforms such as BritBox, BBC.com or BBC Select.


The case, set to progress toward a trial date in February 2027, highlights how a single broadcast can spark an enormous chain reaction in international courts. Washington’s legal team has so far declined to comment, while the BBC press office chose not to respond to a request for a statement.


Key Facts



  • BBC seeks subpoenas of Trump family to collect claims of personal knowledge about the speech.

  • Subpoenas could be served via email or certified mail after failed hand deliveries.

  • Trump’s lawsuit alleges BBC planted a violent call, a claim the broadcaster denied as defamation.

  • The case involves a $10 bn damages demand and a scheduled trial in February 2027.