Trump ordered to give deposition in BBC defamation case

A court has mandated that Donald Trump sit for a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC, with the questioning session required to take place by mid-December. The judicial directive came after the former U.S. president's legal team sought to avoid the in-person testimony, a common phase in civil litigation discovery.

Under the court's ruling, Trump must make himself available for examination by attorneys representing the BBC. Failure to comply with the December 11 deadline could result in the dismissal of Trump's case against the broadcaster, effectively ending his legal action.

The deposition represents a critical juncture in the defamation proceedings, as it would require Trump to answer detailed questions about claims made in his lawsuit. The BBC has reportedly disputed the allegations at the center of the case, and Trump's testimony could prove pivotal to how the matter ultimately resolves.

Defamation lawsuits in U.S. courts typically involve extensive discovery processes, including depositions where parties provide sworn testimony that can be used in trial. Trump's legal challenges have frequently involved similar procedural requirements across multiple jurisdictions in recent years.