US President Donald Trump has dropped part of his $10 billion (£7.49 billion) defamation lawsuit against the BBC, according to legal filings released on Thursday. Trump dismissed claims against BBC Studios Distribution Limited and BBC Studios Productions Limited, but the suit against the British public broadcaster itself remains active.
Legal Filings Show Partial Dismissal
As per the legal documents, "Plaintiff President Donald J. Trump and Defendants BBC Studios Distribution Limited and BBC Studios Productions Limited (together, the 'Studios Defendants'), by and through their respective undersigned counsel, hereby stipulate and agree that, in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1)(A)(ii), all claims in this action asserted against the Studios defendants are hereby dismissed with prejudice, with each party to bear its own costs and attorney's fees."
The filing also states: "President Trump shall continue prosecuting his causes of action against Defendant British Broadcasting Corporation."
Background of the Lawsuit
Trump's initial defamation suit, filed in December 2025, seeks $10 billion in damages from the BBC over the editing of a 2024 Panorama documentary covering the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. Trump accused filmmakers of "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring" footage of his speech before his supporters stormed the Capitol building in Washington DC. The US president claimed in court documents that the edit harmed "the value of his brand, properties, and businesses."
BBC's Apology and Legal Defense
The BBC issued a formal apology for the "mistaken impression" created by the documentary, which aired a week before the US election. However, the broadcaster rejected Trump's demands for compensation. BBC lawyers argued in February that the case should be thrown out of US courts, claiming there was no evidence the Panorama special was viewed in the US.
Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general at the time, and Deborah Turness, the BBC’s head of news, stepped down in the wake of the revelations.
US Government May Join Litigation
The US government is now considering joining the continuing litigation, which could allow Trump to withhold documents requested by BBC lawyers—including phone records and diary entries—on grounds of executive privilege or national security risks. Trump's lawyers have accused the BBC's representatives of conducting a "fishing expedition" after they sought financial information regarding a trust holding the President's business interests and assets. The BBC's lawyers said details from the Donald J Trump Revocable Trust, managed by his eldest son Donald Trump Jr., were needed to assess the financial impact of the Panorama programme.
Trial Set for 2027
A trial date has been set for February 2027 in Florida.
