Judge orders Trump to hand over financial records in $10bn BBC defamation lawsuit

A federal judge has mandated that Donald Trump must disclose comprehensive financial records related to his businesses. This order comes as part of a $10 billion defamation lawsuit he filed against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The ruling, issued on Tuesday by US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett, could offer a significant look into the numerous businesses held by Trump's family trust.

The lawsuit originated from a 2024 BBC documentary titled "Trump, A Second Chance," which allegedly featured an edited clip of Trump's January 6, 2021, speech that made it appear as though he directly incited his supporters to attack the US Capitol. While the BBC issued an apology last year for the misleading edit, it maintains that Trump's defamation claims lack merit. Trump's legal team is expected to appeal the decision and may seek to amend the complaint to focus solely on reputational damage, aiming to circumvent the need for financial disclosures.

In addition to the financial records, the judge also authorized the BBC to subpoena several individuals within Trump's close circle, including family members and key advisors, to gather evidence regarding his intentions on January 6. This development is seen as a significant procedural win for the BBC's defense as they prepare for a trial scheduled for February 2027 in Miami.