- BBC attorneys filed to subpoena Trump family members, claiming they have personal knowledge and relevant records that could help the broadcaster defend itself.
- 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.
- The fallout from the lawsuit led to questioning of the BBC's director-general Tim Davie and its head of news Deborah Turness in November 2025.
- 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".
The BBC is embroiled in a $10 billion defamation lawsuit initiated by Donald Trump, who accuses the broadcaster of misrepresenting his speech. The lawsuit claims that the BBC "intentionally, maliciously and deceptively doctoring" the content of his address.2
In a recent filing, the BBC's attorneys have sought to subpoena Trump family members, including Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, asserting they possess personal knowledge and relevant records that could aid in the defense. The filing indicates that both were present during a call between Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence prior to the controversial speech.1
Additionally, it is reported that Trump Jr. communicated with former chief of staff Mark Meadows, urging him to condemn the Capitol events, while Jared Kushner allegedly drafted a statement for Trump condemning the violence. However, none of the Trump family members have been served subpoenas due to their protection by the Secret Service, which does not accept such legal documents.35
The lawsuit has significant implications for the BBC, with potential fallout including the resignation of its director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness by November 2025. A spokesperson for the BBC expressed regret over the editing of the video clip but firmly disagreed with the basis of the defamation claim. A trial date has been set for February 2027, pending the case's progression.6
“The filing claims Trump Jr urged Mark Meadows to condemn Capitol events, and Kushner drafted a statement condemning violence. None of the trio has been served yet because Secret Service protection blocks subpoenas, the BBC and US media report.”
