BBC vs Trump family takes a surprising turn as broadcaster goes on the offensive
WASHINGTON, DC: The $10 billion defamation case against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) doesn’t seem to be put on the back burner, as the case has now taken a stunning turn, with the media outlet going on the offensive.
President Donald Trump sued the network for both defamation and a violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, seeking $5 billion apiece, for a total of $10 billion.
BBC seeks to subpoena Trump's family in $10 billion case
The BBC is now seeking to subpoena President Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr, his daughter Ivanka Trump, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, in connection with a $10 billion case, Politico reported.
Lawyers representing the BBC argue the president's family must have been aware of his intention behind his January 6, 2021, address to supporters at the Ellipse as the Capitol attack was getting underway.
The BBC’s lawyers, citing testimony collected by the House January 6 Committee, say Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump were with the president as he made changes to his speech and were also present at the Ellipse when he delivered it.
They also say Jared Kushner drafted a statement for Trump condemning the violence.
BBC lawyers say they have not been able to serve subpoenas on Don Jr, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner because "Plaintiff’s eldest son, eldest daughter, and eldest son-in-law – are protected by the United States Secret Service as members of the sitting President’s immediate family" https://t.co/iJfTMq7wQ1
— Rob Crilly (@robcrilly) August 14, 2026
The subpoenas seek testimony and relevant documents from all three Trump family members.
BBC's earlier subpoena attempts all failed
As per the court documents, the BBC tried to serve the subpoenas at Kushner and Ivanka Trump’s home in Miami in May, but its attempt failed due to a police blockade.
In a motion filed Friday in federal court in Miami, the BBC’s attorneys said the president’s lawyers also refused to accept the subpoenas.
The network is asking the court to authorize service by mail or to order that service through President Trump’s attorneys is adequate.
A lawyer for the Secret Service, Troy Epstein, informed the BBC’s lawyers by email that the agency could not accept the subpoenas.
“The United States Secret Service, as an agency of the United States Government, is not authorized to accept service of these subpoenas for these individuals, nor can we opine on how you all may best facilitate or effectuate service of these subpoenas,” Epstein wrote.
What is the $10 billion lawsuit against BBC
President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the BBC in December last year in his personal capacity, alleging that the network edited Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech in its documentary, indicating that the president had encouraged the crowd to engage in the unfortunate January 6 Capitol Hill attack.
The BBC has reportedly apologized for the editing but denies that it is valid grounds for a suit.
