A U.S. federal judge has cleared the way for former President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC to proceed to trial in February 2027. Judge Roy Kalman Altman of the Southern District of Florida rejected the broadcaster's request to delay proceedings, setting a provisional trial start date of February 15, 2027.
The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, alleges defamation and unfair trade practices over the BBC's editing of Trump's January 6, 2021 speech. The BBC has apologized for the edit but denies defamation claims, calling the case "without merit" in recent court filings.
Judge Altman dismissed the BBC's attempt to postpone pretrial discovery processes, stating such requests were "premature" at this stage. The case could compel the BBC to disclose internal communications related to its coverage of Trump during a politically sensitive period.
Legal analysts note the trial's timing coincides with heightened attention on U.S.-UK media relations ahead of the 2028 election cycle. The BBC maintains it will "vigorously defend" its editorial decisions while complying with court requirements.
