Trump Cancels Last-Minute Deposition in BBC Lawsuit

President Donald Trump's lawyers canceled his scheduled Friday deposition in his $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC. The broadcaster asked a Miami federal judge to order him to appear.

• Oct. 16 was proposed by Trump's lawyers in July for the deposition.
• Sept. 28: his lawyers cited other matters of national importance and withdrew.
• Mid-January 2027 was floated instead, after discovery closes Dec. 18.
• 7 BBC witnesses have been deposed in nearly eight months of discovery.

Why it matters: The BBC says a defamation plaintiff's own testimony is central evidence. It says it cannot send the formal notice federal rules require before sanctions without a date and location.

• Trump's team named him in July as a key outside witness.
• The BBC also argues the Florida court lacks jurisdiction over the case.

How 7 sources split on this story

What’s next: The BBC wants the deposition added to an Oct. 22 hearing before Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett.

• Trump's lawyers said he would sit in January only if discovery is extended.
• Will the judge order Trump to sit for a deposition before discovery closes?
• Will the court extend the discovery period, as Trump's lawyers proposed?
• How will the court rule on the BBC's motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction?