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Judge allows video of Trump's deposition, restricted to attorneys
A judge rejected Trump's request to limit his deposition to a court reporter, allowing video recording for attorneys without public release.
A judge ruled that Trump's deposition could be recorded on video for attorneys, with no public release. Trump's lawyers had opposed video recording and asked that only a court reporter be used.
President Donald Trump was ordered Thursday to sit for a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC.
On damages, the judge also agreed that the BBC should be allowed to inspect records showing the total number of applications for membership at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida from January 6, 2020, through January 6, 2026. The ruling also covered the total cost of membership and initiation fees for new applicants.
BBC lawyer Tobin said that demonstrating actual damages is one aspect of a defamation case. He argued that Mar-a-Lago's popularity was a significant indicator of Trump's reputation.
Trump's lawyer Brito disputed that connection, arguing that Trump does not actually run Mar-a-Lago and that his reputation is not associated with the club.
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Politics ·
Judge orders Trump to answer BBC lawyers' questions by December 11
A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to answer questions from BBC lawyers in a deposition by December 11 in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster. U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett set the deadline at a hearing in Miami.
Trump could face penalties, including dismissal of his lawsuit, if he does not comply, unless the period for gathering information in the case is extended. That process began in February and is scheduled to end December 18.
The scheduling dispute followed the cancellation of an October 16 deposition. Trump's lawyers cited other matters of national importance. The BBC told the court that Trump instead attended political events that day and said he had offered availability in January. The broadcaster asked the judge to compel him to confirm a date and answer questions.
The lawsuit concerns a documentary that combined portions of Trump's January 6, 2021, speech. Trump alleged that the editing misled viewers and falsely portrayed his remarks. The BBC apologized for the editing but disputed that there was a basis for a defamation claim.
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