The BBC is seeking court authorization to subpoena Donald Trump's two eldest children and son-in-law as part of its defense against the president's defamation lawsuit centered on a documentary about the January 6 insurrection.
Key facts
- The BBC filed a motion Friday seeking to subpoena Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
- The subpoenas seek testimony and records on the events of 6 January 2021.
- The move is part of the BBC's defense against President Trump's defamation lawsuit.
- The lawsuit centers on a documentary about the January 6 insurrection.
- BBC lawyers argue the family members have personal knowledge of Trump's intentions in his speech near the US Capitol.
The BBC is attempting to subpoena three of Donald Trump’s family members as it builds its defense against a defamation lawsuit the president has brought over a documentary examining the January 6 insurrection, according to the Guardian.
In a motion filed on Friday, the network sought authorization to serve Trump’s two eldest children, Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump, along with son-in-law Jared Kushner, with subpoenas for testimony and their records relating to the events of 6 January 2021.
The lawsuit at the center of the dispute stems from a BBC documentary on the January 6 insurrection. The president is suing the network for defamation, and the BBC is now assembling its case in response.
According to the BBC, its lawyers argue that Trump’s family members “have personal knowledge” of his intentions in the speech he gave outside the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. That claim underpins the network’s push to compel testimony and records from the three individuals.
The subpoenas would require the family members to provide both testimony and documentary records tied to that day, suggesting the BBC intends to focus on what Trump intended when he addressed supporters near the Capitol.
The court has not yet ruled on whether the BBC will be granted authorization to serve the subpoenas, according to the available reporting.
Why it matters
The move signals that the BBC intends to mount a robust defense against a sitting US president in a high-profile defamation case, drawing his closest family members into the legal fight. The outcome could shape how far media organizations can go in compelling testimony from powerful figures over disputed reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Who does the BBC want to subpoena?
The BBC is seeking to subpoena Donald Trump's two eldest children, Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka Trump, as well as his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
What is the lawsuit about?
President Trump is suing the BBC for defamation over a documentary centered on the January 6 insurrection.
Why does the BBC want to subpoena Trump's family members?
BBC lawyers argue the family members have personal knowledge of Trump's intentions in the speech he gave outside the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, and are seeking their testimony and records on the events of that day.