BBC Seeks to Subpoena Trump’s Children in $10 Billion Defamation Suit

The BBC is seeking to subpoena President Donald Trump's eldest two children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, as well as his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in its $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. A motion filed in federal court in Miami on Friday requested permission for the BBC to serve subpoenas on the three individuals regarding their knowledge and perspective on the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

The broadcaster claims that Don Jr. and Ivanka were present when their father revised and delivered his speech, while Kushner was working on a statement to condemn the violence. Previous attempts to serve the subpoenas were unsuccessful due to the family members' protection by the Secret Service. An attempt to serve Ivanka and her husband at their Florida residence was blocked by law enforcement, while an attempt to serve Don Jr. at Trump Tower in New York also failed.

The BBC is asking the court to authorize alternative methods of service. This lawsuit stems from Trump's December lawsuit against the BBC over its edited version of his Jan. 6 speech in the 2024 documentary "Trump, A Second Chance?" The edited version showed Trump appearing to call for violent action, which the BBC later admitted was a mistake and apologized for.

Trump is seeking $5 billion for defamation and an additional $5 billion under Florida's deceptive trade practices law. Trump's legal team opposes the BBC's attempt to subpoena his family members, according to the filing. No immediate response was available from the BBC or Trump's representatives regarding the latest motion.