Finance
BBC to argue Trump failed to show he was defamed in documentary
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Summary
The BBC argues Trump hasn’t shown defamation from a 2024 documentary and will seek dismissal in Miami on jurisdiction and merits. The trial is currently set for Feb. 15, 2027 over edits to his Jan. 6 speech. ([pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/bbc-asks-court-to-dismiss-trumps-10b-lawsuit-over-jan-6-speech?utm_source=openai))
BBC: Trump Has Not Shown Defamation in Documentary, Seeks Dismissal
By Jonathan Stempel
Legal Arguments and Case Status
Feb 18 (Reuters) - Britain's public broadcaster, the BBC, said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump had failed to establish that it defamed him in a documentary broadcast shortly before he won a second White House term.
Failure-to-State-Claim Argument
In a filing in Miami federal court, the BBC said it intends to argue that Trump's $10 billion lawsuit should be dismissed because he failed to state successful claims for defamation and for a violation of a Florida unfair trade practices law.
Jurisdiction and Due Process Challenge
The BBC said it also intends to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear Trump's case under Florida law, federal rules governing civil cases, and the U.S. Constitution's "due process" clause. It has apologized to Trump for the edit.
Case Timeline and Deadlines
Lawyers for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The BBC has until March 17 to respond formally to Trump's complaint, which he filed on December 15. A trial is scheduled for February 15, 2027.
Trump’s Allegations About the Edit
Trump accused the BBC of splicing together footage of parts of a speech he gave on January 6, 2021, to make it appear that he had directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol later that day, when lawmakers planned to certify Democrat Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Spliced Speech Details
The edit, for the documentary "Trump: A Second Chance?", spliced together a section where Trump said supporters would march on the Capitol with another, recorded nearly an hour later, where he exhorted them to "fight like hell."
Damages Sought and BBC Funding
Trump, a Republican, is seeking at least $5 billion of damages on each claim against the BBC, which is publicly funded.
BBC Fallout and Resignations
Fallout from the documentary, including allegations of bias, led to the resignations of the BBC's top executive and its head of news in November.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Key Takeaways
- •The BBC says Trump has not plausibly shown defamation and will seek dismissal, citing lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a claim. ([pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/bbc-asks-court-to-dismiss-trumps-10b-lawsuit-over-jan-6-speech?utm_source=openai))
- •The case is in U.S. District Court in Miami; a dismissal motion is due March 17, 2026, and trial is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2027. ([pbs.org](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/bbc-asks-court-to-dismiss-trumps-10b-lawsuit-over-jan-6-speech?utm_source=openai))
- •At issue is a 2024 BBC documentary that spliced parts of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021 speech nearly an hour apart; the BBC apologized for the edit but disputes defamation. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/12/donald-trump-bbc-lawsuit-florida-federal-court/c268bfa0-081f-11f1-b196-5e1986b3575c_story.html?utm_source=openai))
- •Trump seeks $5 billion in damages on each of two claims (defamation and FDUTPA), totaling $10 billion; the BBC is publicly funded. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e41bc699da7e010218f87a95a364350a?utm_source=openai))
- •Backlash over the edit contributed to the November 2025 resignations of the BBC’s director general and head of news. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/11/13/trump-documentary-bbc-apology-defamation/?utm_source=openai))
Frequently Asked Questions about BBC to argue Trump failed to show he was defamed in documentary
1What is defamation?
Defamation is a false statement presented as fact that harms a person’s reputation. In civil cases, a plaintiff must typically show publication, falsity, fault, and damages. Public figures usually must also prove actual malice—knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.
2What is jurisdiction?
Jurisdiction is a court’s legal authority to hear a case. It includes subject‑matter jurisdiction over the type of dispute and personal jurisdiction over the parties, often based on where defendants reside, do business, or where relevant conduct occurred.
3What is a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim?
It’s a request asking the court to end a case at the outset because, even assuming the facts alleged are true, the complaint does not set out a legally sufficient claim for relief under the applicable law.
4What is an unfair trade practices law?
Unfair trade practices laws prohibit deceptive or unfair business conduct that harms consumers or competitors. Plaintiffs may seek remedies such as damages or injunctions when they allege misleading representations, false advertising, or other unfair methods of competition.
