World · India Bureau
US Court Orders Trump To Give Deposition In BBC Defamation Case
A US magistrate judge has directed former President Donald Trump to provide a deposition in a defamation lawsuit filed by the BBC by December 11. The order comes after the broadcaster's legal team alleged that Trump had repeatedly delayed complying with discovery procedures.
LSN India ·
US Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett issued the directive requiring Trump to submit to questioning as part of the BBC's defamation case, marking an escalation in the legal proceedings. The court's decision follows complaints from the BBC's legal representatives, who contended that Trump had stalled his appearance despite repeated requests during the discovery phase of litigation.
Attorney Charles Tobin, representing the BBC, had informed the court that approximately two months remained in the discovery period, expressing concern about the timeline for completing depositions if Trump continued to delay his participation. The magistrate judge's order establishes December 11 as the firm deadline for Trump to provide his sworn testimony.
Depositions are a standard component of civil litigation in the United States, allowing attorneys to question parties under oath before trial. The BBC's lawsuit alleges defamatory statements made by Trump, with the discovery process serving to gather evidence and testimony from both sides.
The case represents one of several legal challenges Trump faces across multiple jurisdictions. The court's enforcement of the deposition deadline underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring compliance with litigation procedures and preventing indefinite delays in civil proceedings.
Photo: President Donald Trump's official portrait, January 2025. Daniel Torok, The White House, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).