Judge Warns Trump of Sanctions Over Deposition Delay in BBC Defamation Case

Donald Trump has been warned by a magistrate judge that he may face sanctions if he does not attend a deposition related to his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC. The lawsuit, filed late last year, stems from a 2024 BBC documentary that Trump alleges misrepresented his comments during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events.

The BBC’s motion to compel Trump’s deposition follows claims from his legal team that he is unavailable to testify before the discovery period ends on December 18, citing commitments to national matters. The judge, Enjolique A. Lett, emphasized the need for compliance with court orders, stating that continued non-participation could lead to sanctions. Trump’s team has criticized the BBC for what they describe as intentional deception in their coverage.