BBC Seeks Trump Family Subpoenas in Defamation Case After Failed Service Attempts
The broadcaster says the three relatives have firsthand knowledge of Trump’s intent and wants service by mail or through lawyers after failed in-person attempts.
- On Friday, the BBC asked a federal court to authorize 'alternative methods' to subpoena Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Jared Kushner in the $10 billion defamation case. Secret Service protection has prevented in-person service of the family members.
- President Donald Trump sued the BBC in December 2025, seeking $10 billion for alleged defamation over a 2024 documentary. Trump claims the network edited his January 6, 2021, speech to falsely imply he incited violence; the broadcaster denies these allegations.
- BBC attorneys argue the family members possess 'personal knowledge' regarding the president's intentions, noting Ivanka and Don Jr. helped revise the address. Kushner drafted a statement condemning the riot, which the broadcaster believes is relevant to determining if the portrayal was false.
- Law enforcement blocked the BBC from serving the trio at their Florida residence and Trump Tower, with Secret Service lawyer Troy Epstein claiming the agency cannot accept subpoenas. Consequently, the broadcaster requested the court permit service via certified mail or through legal counsel.
- Trump's legal team opposes the subpoena request as the defamation case proceeds through discovery. While the court previously authorized limited discovery, it remains unclear if the family will be compelled to provide testimony and documents for the ongoing litigation.
43 Articles
43 Articles
President Donald Trump’s family members are ‘fair game’ to be deposed in his $10 billion BBC lawsuit, lawyer says
Members of President Donald Trump‘s family could be deposed and compelled to turn over communications in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, even if he succeeds in limiting scrutiny of his business records, a defamation lawyer and law professor told Newsweek. Deanna Shullman, a Florida media and First Amendment lawyer who has defended hundreds of defamation cases, said relatives with information relevant to Trump’s alleged damages or the tr…
The British chain maintains that the three have direct knowledge of the president's intentions before and during his speech of January 6, 2021.
All you need to know as BBC seeks to subpoena Trump family members
The corporation is stepping up its attempts to compel the US President's son Donald Trump Jr, daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner to give evidence as part of the ongoing lawsuit over a 2024 Panorama episode
BBC Moves To Subpoena Trump Family Over Lawsuit
The BBC reports: The BBC has sought to subpoena members of Donald Trump’s family for documents and testimony as it defends against the US president’s $10bn (£7.4bn) defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. Court filings show that representatives for the BBC’s legal team attempted in May to serve subpoenas to the president’s son Donald Trump Jr., his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The president is suing the BBC over an epi…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
