Trump Accuses BBC of 'Corrupt, Fraudulent News' in Heated Defamation Dispute
US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the BBC, labelling it "corrupt, fraudulent news" and alleging the broadcaster used artificial intelligence (AI) to edit his speech in a documentary. This outburst comes as the BBC filed a motion to dismiss Mr Trump's $10 billion (£7.5 billion) defamation lawsuit over an edit of a Panorama programme.
Background to the Legal Battle and Resignation
The controversy stems from a Panorama episode broadcast in 2024, which faced criticism for giving the impression that Mr Trump encouraged his supporters to storm the Capitol building in 2021 after losing the election to Joe Biden. Following allegations that the programme selectively edited Mr Trump's speech, BBC director-general Tim Davie resigned. BBC chairman Samir Shah apologised on behalf of the broadcaster, acknowledging an "error of judgment" and admitting the editing created "the impression of a direct call for violent action".
Trump's Allegations of AI Manipulation and Inaccurate Coverage
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Mr Trump elaborated on his lawsuit, claiming footage had been edited and AI was used to generate clips. He stated, "They put words in my mouth and they said I said some pretty bad things and I didn't say them, it was AI generated." He added that upon discovering this, he told his team, "I never said that," and later found out it was AI-generated. Mr Trump also criticised the BBC's coverage of the US war on Iran as "so inaccurate" and "unbelievable," saying, "We have decimated that country and if you watch BBC it's almost like they're fighting us to a draw."
Escalation to 'Corrupt, Fraudulent News' and Legal Stance
Mr Trump escalated his criticism, calling the BBC's reporting "very inaccurate news, it was fake news." He proudly noted, "I'm very proud of the term 'fake news' because it was my term, I came up with it – but it's no longer accurate." He asserted, "It really is corrupt, fraudulent news. It really is – it's fraudulent. It's not just fake, it's beyond fake. It's really criminal what they do." When asked about the lawsuit against the broadcaster, Mr Trump said he would "see how it comes out," indicating an ongoing legal process. The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding these allegations.
