Overview
- The BBC filed a motion on Friday asking a federal judge in Miami to issue subpoenas for Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner for depositions and records in President Trump’s $10 billion defamation and deceptive‑trade‑practices suit.
- BBC lawyers say earlier attempts to hand‑deliver subpoenas were blocked by local law enforcement and building security and that the U.S. Secret Service told the broadcaster it is not authorized to accept service for those individuals.
- The broadcaster argues the three have direct knowledge of Mr. Trump’s intent because House Jan. 6 committee testimony places them near the speech’s drafting and delivery and shows Kushner helped draft a statement responding to the violence.
- Procedural fights over service and the scope of discovery come after judges ordered limited financial document production that was later paused while the president seeks to narrow his claims, and a two‑week trial remains tentatively set for February 2027.
- If the court allows alternative service the subpoenas could expand witness testimony about intent and reputational harm, but continued disputes over privilege, security and discovery are likely to prolong pretrial litigation and could shift the trial schedule.