A significant legal battle is brewing as former President Donald Trump plans to sue the BBC for a staggering sum of $5 billion. The lawsuit is a direct response to a documentary that the former president claims maliciously edited his speech from January 6, 2021. Despite the BBC issuing an apology for the “error of judgment,” Trump is determined to pursue legal action.
Speaking from Air Force One, Trump declared his intention to sue, estimating the damages could range from $1 billion to $5 billion, with action potentially starting next week. He accused the broadcaster of deliberate manipulation: “They cheated. They changed the words coming out of my mouth.” The contentious documentary, aired in October 2024, presented parts of Trump’s speech in a way that suggested he was calling for violence at the Capitol.
The BBC admitted its editing created an unintended impression, stating, “We accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech… and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action.” The broadcaster has apologized and will not show the segment again, but has refused financial compensation. Trump considers the lawsuit a matter of principle and an “obligation” to ensure journalistic integrity and prevent future deceptions.