Donald Trump Sues BBC For $10 Billion Over Capitol Riot Documentary

Miami | December 16, 2025

US President Donald Trump on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking at least $10 billion in damages from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), accusing the public broadcaster of defamation and deceptive practices over a documentary related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami, alleging that the BBC edited and misrepresented Trump’s speech delivered to supporters shortly before the Capitol was stormed, thereby portraying him as directly inciting violence.

Allegations Against the BBC

According to court documents, Trump claims the documentary selectively edited his remarks from January 6, 2021, removing context and altering the meaning of his statements. The suit argues that the edits were designed to falsely depict him as encouraging unlawful actions, damaging his reputation domestically and internationally.

The complaint seeks “damages in an amount not less than $5 billion” for each of two counts, totaling at least $10 billion, citing:

Defamation
Violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act

Trump’s legal team contends that the BBC knowingly broadcast misleading content and profited from what it calls “sensationalized political storytelling.”

Legal and Political Context

Trump has repeatedly denied responsibility for the Capitol violence, maintaining that his speech urged supporters to protest peacefully. He has long criticized major media organizations, accusing them of political bias and unfair coverage.

Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures face a high bar in US courts, requiring proof of actual malice—that the broadcaster knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

BBC Yet to Respond

As of publication, the BBC had not issued an official response to the lawsuit. The broadcaster has previously defended its reporting on the Capitol riot as accurate and in the public interest.

The case adds to a growing list of high-profile legal battles involving Trump and major media organizations, highlighting ongoing tensions between political leaders and international news outlets.

What Comes Next

The lawsuit will proceed through preliminary hearings in the coming weeks. If allowed to move forward, the case could raise significant questions about editorial discretion, media accountability, and the legal boundaries of documentary storytelling involving political speech.

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