Trump seeks to block the BBC’s attempt to subpoena Ivanka Trump, Trump Jr

What the report says

President Donald Trump is asking a federal court in southern Florida to reject the BBC’s effort to subpoena three members of his immediate family — Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner — in a $10bn defamation case tied to a Panorama documentary. According to Al Jazeera, Trump’s lawyers described the broadcaster’s discovery request as overly broad and politically motivated, while the BBC said the testimony could help clarify what happened on January 6, 2021.

The dispute stems from the BBC’s coverage of Trump’s speech on the day of the US Capitol attack. Trump filed suit after the broadcaster acknowledged concerns about editing in the documentary, but the BBC has denied defamation and is seeking to defend its reporting. In its motion, the broadcaster said the family members were close enough to Trump on that day to shed light on his state of mind and actions, including communications that may relate to events as violence unfolded.

Al Jazeera reported that the BBC tried but was unable to serve the subpoenas in person because of Secret Service protection. It has asked to use certified mail instead. Trump’s filing argues that any relevant conversations involving Ivanka Trump and Kushner may be covered by executive privilege, and accuses the BBC of expanding the case into a broader investigation.

The court has not ruled on the subpoena request. The case highlights continuing legal and political fights over January 6, press freedom, and the extent to which former aides and family members can be drawn into disputes involving a sitting or former president.