Trump threatens $1B lawsuit against BBC

President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for a billion dollars, accusing the British broadcaster of defamation and election interference. 

At the center of the controversy is an hourlong documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance? that aired just before the 2024 presidential election.

Editing scandal and resignations
The controversy erupted after a whistleblower report revealed that the BBC allegedly misleadingly edited a part of the documentary where Trump is giving a speech before the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Following public and political pressure, BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday, citing the damage caused to the broadcaster’s credibility.

Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, sent a letter demanding that the BBC retract what Trump’s team calls “false and inflammatory” statements made in it. The letter also demands an apology and financial compensation. If the demands are not met by Friday at 5 p.m. ET, the lawsuit will be filed.

A BBC spokesperson said the organization would review the letter and respond in due course.

The White House called the case another example of media mistrust, while UK politicians urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to defend the BBC’s independence.

Last year, Trump sued several media outlets and has settled with ABC and Paramount Skydance for a total compensation of $31 million.