Donald Trump‘s defamation lawsuit against the BBC could now expose details about his business empire. A federal magistrate judge ruled that the president must provide financial records after finding that his court filings placed the health of his businesses directly at issue, giving the broadcaster grounds to seek evidence related to those claims.
Judge orders Donald Trump to hand over his finances to BBC
The ruling came during a lengthy hearing in Miami, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett said Trump’s complaint goes beyond personal reputation. Because it alleges harm to his brand, properties and businesses, she concluded that the BBC is entitled to examine financial information connected to those claims. As Lett put it, “Reputational, economic damages… all of that is now at issue (via Politico).”
The decision could allow the BBC to seek records tied to more than 400 companies held through a Trump family trust, although Trump still has the option to appeal before U.S. District Judge Roy Altman. His attorney, Al Brito, declined to comment after the hearing.
Trump’s legal team attempted to narrow the scope of the lawsuit during Tuesday’s arguments. Brito told the court the case had “evolved” and that Trump was no longer seeking damages for alleged financial losses or harm to his companies.
Instead, the lawsuit now focuses on reputational damage stemming from a 2024 BBC documentary that, according to Trump, edited portions of his January 6, 2021 speech in a way that falsely suggested he directly encouraged violence.
BBC attorney Chuck Tobin argued the distinction did not hold up, saying Trump’s public image and business interests are inseparable because he built his political identity around his success as a businessman. The broadcaster is also pushing to question Trump under oath if the case proceeds, while separately asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit over jurisdiction.
Judge Lett also ruled that the BBC can seek evidence about how Trump’s January 6 remarks were understood by others, though she rejected broader efforts that would effectively reopen every aspect of the Capitol attack investigations. Meanwhile, the BBC continues pursuing additional court records in Washington connected to earlier investigations involving Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
