BBC trying to subpoena Donald Trump's family members over $10bn Panorama lawsuit

The BBC has attempted to subpoena members of Donald Trump's family to defend itself from the defamation lawsuit issued by the US president.

Mr Trump filed the case in December 2025 over an edit of a speech he made on 6 January 2021 - the day his supporters stormed the Capitol building as Joe Biden's election victory was certified.

He is seeking damages of $10bn (£7.5bn), accusing the BBC of "intentionally, maliciously and deceptively doctoring" the speech he gave.

The BBC denies defaming Mr Trump.

In a filing seen by the BBC and NBC, attorneys representing the BBC claim that Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner have personal knowledge and potentially relevant records that could help the broadcaster defend itself.

Mr Trump's legal team has since accused the BBC of "abusing the deposition process".

A spokesperson told the corporation: "The BBC intentionally defamed President Donald J. Trump, and now the BBC is seeking to harass him, his family, and supporters by abusing the deposition process. The BBC is simply trying to distract away from their own obvious liability."

The filing reportedly states that Mr Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump were both present when Mr Trump spoke with former vice president Mike Pence before his speech.

The filing claims that Mr Trump Jr spoke with the US President's former chief of staff Mark Meadows and urged him to condemn events at the Capitol, NBC reports.

Mr Kushner also drafted a proposed statement for Trump that would have condemned the violence, it is claimed.

None of the trio has yet been served as they are protected by the Secret Service who do not accept subpoenas, the BBC and US media report.

Sky News has approached the BBC press office and the White House for comment.

The fallout from the lawsuit led to the resignation of the BBC's director-general Tim Davie and its head of news Deborah Turness in November 2025.

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The BBC officially apologised to the president, adding that it was an "error of judgement" and saying the programme will "not be broadcast again in this form on any BBC platforms".

A spokesperson said "the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited", but they also added that "we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim".

Earlier this month, a judge granted Mr Trump's request for a delay to hand over financial records to the BBC as part of the lawsuit - after his legal team claimed the move was "premature, improper, and especially burdensome".

A trial date in February 2027 has been scheduled, should the case progress.

(c) Sky News 2026: BBC trying to subpoena Donald Trump's family members over $10bn Panorama lawsuit