BBC seeks to subpoena Trump family members in $10bn Panorama lawsuit
The BBC has attempted to subpoena members of US President Donald Trump's family as part of its defence against his $10 billion defamation lawsuit linked to the Panorama programme.
The BBC has moved to have subpoenas issued to members of Donald Trump's family, as the broadcaster builds its defence against a defamation lawsuit brought by the US president.
The lawsuit
Trump has taken legal action against the BBC, seeking damages of $10 billion. The case centres on Panorama, one of the broadcaster's long-running and best-known documentary programmes.
Why the BBC is targeting Trump's family
A subpoena is a legal order compelling a person to testify or produce evidence in a court proceeding. The BBC's attempt to involve members of the president's own family suggests the broadcaster believes they may hold information or testimony relevant to its defence.
Wider significance
The dispute has drawn considerable international attention, both because of the scale of the sum being sought and the parties involved — a sitting US president on one side, and one of the world's most prominent public broadcasters on the other. The outcome could have implications for the BBC's operations going forward, as well as for broader debates about press freedom and media accountability when reporting on political leaders.
It is not yet clear whether a court will grant the BBC's request to subpoena Trump family members, nor when the legal process might next advance.
