WASHINGTON: A US federal judge has temporarily paused an order requiring President Donald Trump to provide financial records in a defamation lawsuit brought against the BBC, pending a decision on a request to narrow the scope of the case.
US District Judge Roy Altman issued the stay while considering Trump’s motion to revise aspects of the multi-billion-dollar libel lawsuit, including claims that a BBC documentary damaged his business interests and personal brand.
Court pauses disclosure order
The BBC had sought access to Trump’s tax returns, financial statements and ownership records linked to hundreds of business entities, arguing the documents were relevant to assessing the damages claimed in the lawsuit.
Judge Altman’s order temporarily suspends that disclosure process, noting that any reduction in Trump’s damages claims could affect the extent of financial information required during discovery.
Defamation case continues
The lawsuit centres on a 2024 BBC documentary examining the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Earlier this year, US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett ruled that Trump’s claims placed his financial condition and reputation at issue, allowing the broadcaster to seek the records.
The latest ruling does not resolve the underlying defamation case, which remains before the court as Judge Altman considers Trump’s request to narrow the litigation.