Case: Trump v. British Broadcasting Corporation

1:25-cv-25894 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Filed Date: Dec. 15, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The British Broadcast Company (BBC) first aired its Panorama documentary titled “Trump: A Second Chance” on October 28, 2024. The documentary included the following clip from President Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech in which he urged his  supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress was certifying the results of the November 2020 presidential election: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’r…

The British Broadcast Company (BBC) first aired its Panorama documentary titled “Trump: A Second Chance” on October 28, 2024. The documentary included the following clip from President Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech in which he urged his  supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress was certifying the results of the November 2020 presidential election: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol and I’ll be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” 

On December 15, 2025, President Donald Trump, in his personal capacity, filed this lawsuit against the BBC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He alleged that the Documentary depicted him in a false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious light. The complaint raised one count of defamation per se and a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Trump sought damages in an amount not less than $5,000,000,000, as well as interest, costs, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and such other relief as this Court may deem just and proper. The case was assigned to Judge Roy Kalman Altman.

Specifically, Trump alleged that the Documentary defamed him by splicing together phrases from his January 6 speech and omitting others. The relevant portions of of the speech are:

At 12:12 p.m. EST: “Now it is up to Congress to confront this egregious assault on our democracy. And after this, we’re going to walk down and I’ll be there with you. We’re going to walk down, we’re going to walk down. Anyone you want but I think right here, we’re going to walk down to the Capitol and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressman and women, and we’re probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them” 

At 1:07 p.m. EST: “[B]ut I said ‘Something’s wrong here, Something’s really wrong, can’t have happened.’ And we fight, we fight like hell, and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” 

On January 12, 2026, the BBC filed a motion to stay discovery. They argued that they planned to file a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and failure to state a claim by their March 17, 2026, deadline, and as such, should not be required to engage in expensive discovery until after the motions are ruled on by the court.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Madena Mustafa (2/1/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72040010/parties/trump-v-british-broadcasting-corporation/


Judge(s)

Altman, Roy Kalman (Florida)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brito, Alejandro (Florida)

Epstein, Daniel (Florida)

Paltzik, Edward Andrew (Florida)

Attorney for Defendant

Dudding, Sasha (Alexandra) (Florida)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-25894

Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72040010/trump-v-british-broadcasting-corporation/

Last updated Feb. 1, 2026, 8:38 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against BBC STUDIOS DISTRIBUTION LIMITED, BBC STUDIOS PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION. Filing fees $ 405.00 receipt number AFLSDC-19044737, filed by DONALD J. TRUMP. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet)(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/15/2025)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B

View on RECAP

3 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Judge Roy K. Altman. Pursuant to 28 USC 636(c), the parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique A. Lett is available to handle any or all proceedings in this case. If agreed, parties should complete and file the Consent form found on our website. It is not necessary to file a document indicating lack of consent. (pc) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

Dec. 15, 2025

Dec. 15, 2025

3

ORDER IN CASES WITH MULTIPLE DEFENDANTS re 1 Complaint, filed by Donald J. Trump. Signed by Judge Roy K. Altman on 12/16/2025. See attached document for full details. (drz) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

RECAP
4

Bar Letter re: Admissions sent to attorney Edward Andrew Paltzik and Daniel Zachary Epstein, mailing date December 16, 2025, (pt) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

RECAP

Clerk's Notice of Judge Assignment and Optional Consent

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

5

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Donald J. Trump. British Broadcasting Corporation waiver sent on 12/17/2025, response/answer due 3/17/2026. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

RECAP
6

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Donald J. Trump. BBC Studios Productions Limited waiver sent on 12/17/2025, response/answer due 3/17/2026. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

7

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Donald J. Trump. BBC Studios Distribution Limited waiver sent on 12/17/2025, response/answer due 3/17/2026. (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/17/2025)

Dec. 17, 2025

Dec. 17, 2025

8

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Charles David Tobin on behalf of BBC Studios Distribution Limited, BBC Studios Productions Limited, British Broadcasting Corporation. Attorney Charles David Tobin added to party BBC Studios Distribution Limited(pty:dft), Attorney Charles David Tobin added to party BBC Studios Productions Limited(pty:dft), Attorney Charles David Tobin added to party British Broadcasting Corporation(pty:dft). (Tobin, Charles) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

RECAP
9

Certificate of Other Affiliates/Corporate Disclosure Statement by BBC Studios Distribution Limited, BBC Studios Productions Limited, British Broadcasting Corporation identifying Corporate Parent BBC, Corporate Parent BBC Studios Limited, Corporate Parent BBC Commercial Limited, Other Affiliate Ballard Spahr LLP, Other Affiliate Charles Tobin, Other Affiliate Sasha Dudding for BBC Studios Distribution Limited, BBC Studios Productions Limited; Other Affiliate Ballard Spahr LLP, Other Affiliate Charles Tobin, Other Affiliate Sasha Dudding for British Broadcasting Corporation (Tobin, Charles) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

10

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Sasha (Alexandra) Dudding. Filing Fee $ 250.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-19065852 by BBC Studios Distribution Limited, BBC Studios Productions Limited, British Broadcasting Corporation. Responses due by 1/5/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Tobin, Charles) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

11

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Sasha (Alexandra) Dudding. Signed by Judge Roy K. Altman on 12/22/2025. (pbe) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

12

Order Requiring Joint Scheduling Report and Certificates of Interested Parties. Joint Scheduling Report due by 1/12/2026. Signed by Judge Roy K. Altman on 12/22/2025. See attached document for full details. (drz) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

13

Plaintiff's Certificate of Other Affiliates/Corporate Disclosure Statement - NONE disclosed by Donald J. Trump (Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

Dec. 23, 2025

Dec. 23, 2025

RECAP
14

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Daniel Epstein. Filing Fee $ 250.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-19089042 by Donald J. Trump. Responses due by 1/20/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Certification CERTIFICATION OF DANIEL EPSTEIN, # 2 Text of Proposed Order ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE, CONSENT TO DESIGNATION AND REQUEST TO ELECTRONICALLY RECEIVE NOTICES OF ELECTRONIC FILING)(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

1 Certification CERTIFICATION OF DANIEL EPSTEIN

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE, CONSENT TO

View on RECAP

Jan. 5, 2026

Jan. 5, 2026

RECAP
15

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Edward Andrew Paltzik. Filing Fee $ 250.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-19089131 by Donald J. Trump. Responses due by 1/20/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Certification CERTIFICATION OF EDWARD ANDREW PALTZIK, # 2 Text of Proposed Order ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE, CONSENT TO DESIGNATION AND REQUEST TO ELECTRONICALLY RECEIVE NOTICES OF ELECTRONIC FILING)(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

1 Certification CERTIFICATION OF EDWARD ANDREW PALTZIK

View on PACER

2 Text of Proposed Order ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE, CONSENT TO

View on PACER

Jan. 5, 2026

Jan. 5, 2026

16

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 14 and 15 Motions to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Daniel Epstein and Edward Andrew Paltzik. Signed by Judge Roy K. Altman on 1/5/2026. (pbe) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

Jan. 5, 2026

Jan. 5, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

Jan. 5, 2026

Jan. 5, 2026

17

Joint SCHEDULING REPORT - Rule by Donald J. Trump (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B

View on PACER

Jan. 12, 2026

Jan. 12, 2026

18

MOTION to Stay Discovery in Part Pending Adjudication of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss with Incorporated Memorandum of Law by BBC Studios Distribution Limited, BBC Studios Productions Limited, British Broadcasting Corporation. Responses due by 1/26/2026. (Tobin, Charles) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

Jan. 12, 2026

Jan. 12, 2026

RECAP
19

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time TO RESPOND TO DEFENDANTS MOTION TO STAY DISCOVERY PENDING ADJUDICATION OF THEIR MOTION TO DISMISS WITH INCORPORATED MEMORANDUM OF LAW (D.E. 18) re 18 MOTION to Stay Discovery in Part Pending Adjudication of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss with Incorporated Memorandum of Law by Donald J. Trump. Responses due by 2/6/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME TO RESPOND TO DEFENDANTS MOTION TO STAY DISCOVERY PENDING ADJUDICATION OF THEIR MOTION TO DISMISS WITH INCORPORATED MEMORANDUM OF LAW (D.E. 18))(Brito, Alejandro) (Entered: 01/23/2026)

Jan. 23, 2026

Jan. 23, 2026

20

PAPERLESS ORDER granting 19 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time. The Plaintiff shall file his response to the Defendants' motion to stay discovery by February 2, 2026. Signed by Judge Roy K. Altman on 1/24/2026. (pbe) (Entered: 01/24/2026)

Jan. 24, 2026

Jan. 24, 2026

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

Jan. 24, 2026

Jan. 24, 2026

~Util - Set/Reset Motion/R&R Deadlines and Hearings

Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings as to 18 MOTION to Stay Discovery, per DE #20 ORDER: Responses due by 2/2/2026. (caw)

Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Florida

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Donald Trump personal capacity lawsuits

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 15, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

President Donald Trump, in his personal capacity

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

British Broadcast Company, Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Southern District of Florida 1:25-cv-25894

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet