Trump's $10B Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC Set for 2027 Trial

A U.S. judge rejected the BBC's attempt to delay proceedings in the high-profile case.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A U.S. judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC can proceed to trial in 2027. Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2021 over the way the BBC edited a speech he gave on January 6, 2021, prior to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The BBC had spliced together quotes from the speech to make it appear that Trump urged his supporters to 'fight like hell,' omitting a section where he called for peaceful demonstration. The BBC has apologized but denies defaming Trump.

Why it matters

This high-profile lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal battles between Trump and media organizations that he has accused of unfair coverage. The case could have significant implications for press freedom and the ability of news outlets to report critically on political figures, especially in the lead-up to elections.

The details

In December 2021, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and $5 billion for unfair trade practices. The lawsuit centers on a BBC documentary titled 'Trump: A Second Chance?' that aired days before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The documentary spliced together quotes from Trump's January 6, 2021 speech to make it appear that he urged supporters to 'fight like hell,' omitting a section where he called for peaceful demonstration.

  • Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2021.
  • The BBC documentary aired days before the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
  • The trial is set to begin in February 2027.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC.

BBC

The British national broadcaster that aired a documentary about Trump that he claims defamed him.

Judge Roy K. Altman

The federal judge for the Southern District of Florida who rejected the BBC's attempt to delay the proceedings and set a trial date for February 2027.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.