BBC Seeks Dismissal of Trump Defamation Case in US Court

The British Broadcasting Corporation has asked a federal court in Florida to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former United States President Donald Trump, who is seeking $10 billion in damages.

Trump filed the case in December 2025, alleging the BBC defamed him in a Panorama episode that discussed his January 6, 2021 speech. According to Trump, the programme edited portions of his speech in a way that suggested he encouraged supporters to storm the United States Capitol. He argues that the BBC removed parts of the speech where he called for peaceful protest, creating a misleading impression.

In response, the BBC has acknowledged that an editing error occurred and has issued an apology. However, it has denied that the mistake amounts to defamation. In its court filing, the broadcaster argues that the Florida court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case because the programme was produced and broadcast outside Florida and was not targeted at viewers in that state.

The BBC has also argued that Trump has not shown that he suffered any real harm as a result of the broadcast. It noted that Trump was re-elected after the documentary aired, which it says weakens his claim of damage to his reputation. The broadcaster further stated that Trump has not met the high legal standard required in defamation cases involving public figures, which requires proof that the publisher knowingly acted with false intent.

Along with seeking dismissal, the BBC has asked the court to pause the evidence-gathering stage of the case until the dismissal request is decided. It said continuing with the case at this stage would involve unnecessary cost and effort if the court ultimately throws out the lawsuit.

The court is expected to consider the BBC’s request in the coming weeks. If the case is not dismissed, it could proceed further and potentially reach trial at a later stage.