BBC Seeks to Subpoena Trump’s Children in $10B Defamation Case on August 14

The BBC filed a motion Friday asking a federal judge to authorize subpoenas for Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner as it defends against the president’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit. Trump sued the broadcaster in December over a 2024 documentary that edited his January 6 speech, claiming the cuts made it appear he directly urged supporters to attack the Capitol. The BBC acknowledged the edit but denies defamation.

Why the BBC wants Trump’s family to testify

The BBC argues Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump have direct knowledge of how their father drafted and delivered his speech on January 6. Court filings show both were in the Oval Office while Trump revised the speech and were present when he spoke with then-Vice President Mike Pence about certifying the 2020 election. Ivanka later observed Trump’s reaction to violence at the Capitol and communicated with him about issuing a response. Kushner allegedly helped draft a statement condemning the violence.

Secret Service blocked previous service attempts

The BBC tried to serve subpoenas on Kushner and Ivanka Trump at their Miami home in May but was blocked by law enforcement. Attempts to serve Trump Jr. at Trump Tower in New York also failed. A Secret Service lawyer told the BBC in a May 14 email that the agency “is not authorized to accept service of these subpoenas” and could not advise how to serve them. The BBC now asks the court to allow alternative service methods such as certified mail or notice to their attorneys.

What Trump’s lawsuit claims

Trump filed the $10 billion lawsuit in December, seeking $5 billion for defamation and another $5 billion under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law. He claims the BBC spliced remarks he made more than 50 minutes apart in the 2024 documentary “Trump, A Second Chance?” to create a false impression he called for violence. The BBC apologized for the editing in 2025 but maintains the edit did not change the speech’s meaning and that defamation claims lack merit. Trump’s legal team has opposed the family subpoenas.

What happens next in the case

The federal court in Miami must rule on whether to grant the BBC’s motion for alternative service. No timeline has been set for a decision or any depositions. The two sides are also disputing what financial information Trump must turn over. Trump narrowed his defamation claims in an updated complaint last week, removing allegations that the BBC harmed his brand and business, focusing only on personal reputation damage.

Final Thoughts

The BBC’s bid to compel testimony from Trump’s inner circle could provide critical evidence on his January 6 intent, but Secret Service protection creates a procedural barrier the court must resolve. The outcome may shape what evidence either side can present at trial.

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