BBC Seeks Subpoenas from Trump Family in Panorama Defamation Case


Trump family at inauguration

BBC legal officers have filed requests to subpoena Donald Trump's son, daughter and son‑in‑law to obtain documents and testimony that could help quell the potential $10bn defamation lawsuit.


In May, the BBC’s team dispatched subpoena documents aimed at Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The moves come as the broadcaster continues to navigate the fallout from a 2024 Panorama episode that re‑edited segments of Trump’s speech delivered following the January 6 Capitol riots.


The broadcaster had previously issued an apology for the editing mistake that suggested the former President had urged violent action—though it denied there was sufficient ground for a defamation claim. Courts now must decide whether the family’s testimony can exonerate the BBC.


According to the latest filings, the BBC argues that the Trump family members “have personal knowledge” of the President’s intentions when he delivered his speech. The firm cites evidence from a U.S. congressional committee, which documented that Trump Jr. and Ivanka were present when the former President revised and gave the speech, and that Jared Kushner drafted a statement condemning violence.


The subpoena attempts have ranged from direct delivery to the Trump family’s Florida home – blocked at a police checkpoint and rejected by the Secret Service – to service at Trump Tower in New York, where office staff claimed the recipients were unavailable. In another instance, a legal team member was told a “legal department” was closed, hindering the process.


Trump’s legal team has not yet commented on the subpoena request. The BBC press office declined to give remarks on the matter.


Aside from subpoena pursuits, the suit has seen key developments: Trump dropped the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, from the lawsuit after the broadcaster demonstrated its lack of involvement in the documentary’s production. A judge has already granted a delay in the BBC receiving the President’s financial documents, citing potential irreparable harm to Trump if released.


If the case proceeds, a trial is slated for February 2027. For now, the BBC remains determined to contest the defamation claim while collecting additional evidence from the Trump family to strengthen its position.