MIAMI (February 13, 2026) — A US District Judge has scheduled President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC for a potential trial in February 2027. The case centers on allegations that the British broadcaster used “misleading edits” in a documentary to falsely link the President to the January 6 Capitol riots.
Procedural Ruling: A Win for Trump
Judge Roy K. Altman, presiding in Miami, issued two critical orders this week:
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Trial Date: Set for February 2027, provided the case survives a motion to dismiss.
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Discovery Proceeding: The judge denied the BBC’s request to pause the exchange of evidence. This means the BBC must begin sharing internal documents and evidence even before the court decides whether to toss the case.
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Mediation: Both parties are ordered to undergo formal mediation by November 3, 2026, in an attempt to settle out of court.
The Core Dispute
The lawsuit alleges that a pre-2024 election documentary edited Trump’s speeches to create a false impression of a “direct call for violence.”
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The BBC’s Defense: While the BBC has apologized for the edit, they deny defamation. They argue the documentary was “fair” and that Trump, as a public figure, cannot prove “actual malice”—the high legal standard required for defamation in the US.
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Trump’s Stance: His legal team hailed the ruling as a victory against “fake news,” stating they intend to hold the outlet accountable for “unlawful and disgraceful actions.”
Legal Roadmap: Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
| March 2026 | Deadline for BBC’s Motion to Dismiss |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Deadline for Mandatory Mediation |
| Feb 2027 | Scheduled Start of Trial |
