U.S. President Donald Trump’s high-profile defamation lawsuit against the BBC is scheduled to go to trial in February 2027 in Miami, according to court documents. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Trump’s lawsuit stems from a 2020 episode of the BBC’s Panorama program, which he alleges edited his speech in a way that made it appear he directly encouraged the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. His legal team has described the alleged edit as “false and defamatory,” seeking multi-billion-dollar compensation for the purported reputational damage.
The BBC has issued an apology for the editing but has rejected Trump’s claims for financial compensation, asserting there is no legal basis for a defamation or trade practices case.
The corporation plans to file a motion to dismiss the suit by March 17, 2026, arguing that the Florida court lacks personal jurisdiction, the venue is improper, and that Trump has “failed to state a claim.”
A Florida judge recently denied the BBC’s request to delay discovery, describing the motion as “premature.” As a result, both parties will continue exchanging relevant documents and evidence ahead of the trial.
A BBC spokesperson said: “As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”
The upcoming trial marks a significant chapter in Trump’s legal battles stemming from the events of January 6 and his post-election rhetoric, drawing global attention to the intersection of media coverage and political accountability.
About the Author
