A federal judge has warned Donald Trump that the president's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC could be dismissed if he does not produce more relevant documents or evidence showing his legal team's search for them.
Trump’s legal team had until October 21 to confirm its written answers were accurate and provide any relevant documents not in dispute, as part of the discovery in Trump's claim the BBC defamed him when editing together two different sections of a speech he gave before the U.S. Capitol riot in 2021. The BBC has apologized for the edit but denies defamation.
The response "consisted of a mere twenty documents, all of which were previously produced by Defendant and/or retrieved from the internet in the days leading to the production date," Magistrate Judge Enjolique A. Lett said.
She added that Trump's team acknowledged they had not produced a log identifying documents withheld on the basis of privilege.
"Given the nature of the requests, the paucity of the production, and the steps counsel undertook to ensure that all responsive documents were collected, the Court has concerns about whether an adequate search for all responsive documentation occurred," Lett added.
Lett ordered Trump's team to provide a privilege log by November 5 and any remaining undisputed responsive documents by November 23.
"Failure to comply with this order may result in sanctions, including but not limited to, dismissal of this action for failure to prosecute this case," Lett said.
This is a developing story; more to follow.