Trump DOJ Blocks Jack Smith From Testifying in BBC Lawsuit
Summary
The Justice Department denied the BBC’s request to question former special counsel Jack Smith under oath in its defense against President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit. The department cited grand jury secrecy, classified information, and legal privileges, while the BBC says Smith’s investigation could provide evidence about Trump’s January 6 speech.Key Facts
- The BBC subpoenaed Smith on October 1 and later asked the Justice Department to approve questioning him.
- The department said Smith lacked firsthand knowledge of the January 6 events and that his testimony could expose confidential investigative information.
- The BBC is defending a defamation lawsuit over an October 2024 Panorama documentary about Trump’s January 6 speech.
- The documentary edited together remarks made more than 50 minutes apart, creating the impression that they were continuous.
- The BBC acknowledged the edit created a false impression but denies that it defamed Trump or entitles him to damages.
- Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2025 and seeks $5 billion for each of two claims.
- The BBC cited Smith’s authorization to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September as part of its argument for questioning him.
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