INTERNATIONAL: Trump Slaps $10 Billion Lawsuit on BBC
President Donald Trump has launched a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation.
The case was filed in a Florida federal court on December 15, 2025, targeting edits in a BBC Panorama documentary.
Trump claims the program misrepresented his January 6, 2021, speech by splicing clips to suggest he incited violence.
He argues the edits violated his call for peaceful protests and damaged his reputation.
The 33-page complaint labels the documentary false and malicious.
Key Claims and Demands
Trump accuses the BBC of defamation and breaching Florida’s deceptive trade practices law.
He seeks $5 billion in damages for each count, totaling $10 billion.
The suit alleges the broadcast aimed to harm his image just before the 2024 presidential election.
Internal concerns about the edit were reportedly ignored by the network.
BBC’s Stance and Apology
In November 2025, the BBC issued an apology for the editing mistake and removed the program from platforms.
It denied any defamatory intent and refused compensation demands.
A spokesperson confirmed the organization will robustly defend against the lawsuit.
The network maintains no basis exists for the claims.
Executive Resignations
The editing issue triggered significant fallout earlier, prompting resignations.
Director-General Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness stepped down in November 2025.
Their exits followed intense criticism and an internal review of the Panorama episode.
This case underscores ongoing debates over media accuracy and political influence.