Donald Trump has launched a major legal challenge against the BBC, accusing the British broadcaster of defamation and breaches of US trade practices law, according to court filings submitted in Florida.
The lawsuit, which seeks at least $5 billion (£3.7 billion) in damages, centers on a BBC Panorama documentary that aired shortly before last year’s US presidential election. The programme, titled Trump: A Second Chance?, examined Trump’s political comeback and included edited excerpts from a speech he delivered on January 6, 2021 the same day a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol.
Trump’s legal complaint claims the documentary presented his remarks in a misleading and malicious way. His lawyers argue that the programme stitched together selected clips of his speech in a manner that falsely suggested he directly encouraged supporters to march on the Capitol and “fight like hell.” According to the filing, this editing created what Trump describes as a deceptive and defamatory portrayal intended to damage him politically.
Following criticism and public backlash, the BBC confirmed that the Panorama episode would not be broadcast again in its original form or hosted on any of its platforms. In November, the corporation issued a formal apology, acknowledging that the programme involved an “error of judgement.”
Despite that apology, Trump has now escalated the dispute through the courts. In addition to the defamation claim, he is also seeking another $5 billion in damages for what he alleges was a violation of trade practices law. Both lawsuits were filed in Florida.
In a statement quoted by The New York Times, Trump’s legal team said the case was intended to hold the BBC accountable for what they described as deliberate wrongdoing. The statement accused the broadcaster of intentionally altering Trump’s speech in an effort to interfere in the 2024 presidential election.
The BBC has responded firmly, saying it will contest the case. A spokesperson stated that the corporation stands by its position and will not offer further comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Trump himself addressed the issue earlier this week, claiming the broadcaster put words in his mouth. He suggested that advanced technology may have been used to manipulate the footage, calling the edits “terrible” and misleading.
The legal dispute has also triggered political debate in the UK. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to publicly support the BBC, warning that the lawsuit could place financial pressure on licence fee payers. Davey described Trump’s legal action as an attempt to undermine Britain’s national broadcaster and interfere with democratic institutions.
Government ministers have echoed support for the BBC’s independence. Speaking on Mornings with Ridge and Frost, health minister Stephen Kinnock acknowledged mistakes in the Panorama programme but rejected the claim that the documentary amounted to libel or defamation. He emphasized that while errors were made, the BBC remains a vital, independent institution and should stand firm in defending itself.
As the case moves forward in US courts, it raises broader questions about media accountability, political power, and the growing trend of high-stakes legal battles between public figures and international news organizations.
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