Newscast Will We See Trump V BBC In Court?
Nov 11, 2025
Dominic Casciani, BBC Home and Legal Affairs correspondent, unpacks the legal minefield of Donald Trump's potential defamation case against the BBC, discussing the implications of a $1 billion claim. Darshini David, Deputy Economics Editor, highlights the UK's rising unemployment and its effects on the labor market and economic policy. Political journalist Henry Zeffman sheds light on the political ramifications, including possible changes to child benefit policies as government decisions are scrutinized ahead of the budget.
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Episode notes
Threat Letters Often Signal Bluster Not Court
- Threat letters are common in journalism and don't mean a court case will follow.
- Dominic Casciani urges circumspection about Trump's $1bn threat and its immediate likelihood.
Early Career Legal Threat Frightened A Reporter
- Dominic Casciani recalls receiving intimidating legal letters early in his career that provoked fear.
- He consulted a duty lawyer who reassured him and explained the law, avoiding litigation.
UK Deadline Bars A UK Lawsuit
- Trump cannot sue in the UK because the one-year defamation window expired on 27 October.
- Dominic Casciani explains that means any case would likely have to be brought in the US, not the UK.
