Quick Takeaways
- Donald Trump plans to sue the BBC for $1 billion over an edited video of his 2021 speech.
- BBC Chair Samir Shah accepts the broadcaster stimulated an “error of judgement” in the edit.
- Two top BBC executives, including the Director General, resign amid widespread criticism.
Trump Threatens $1 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for at least $1 billion, alleging that the broadcaster manipulated footage of his January 6, 2021, speech. His attorney’s missive demanded a replete excuse, the abjuration of the documentary, and “appropriate compensation. ”
The controversy stems from a BBC Panorama episode that edited parts of Trump’s speech before the Capitol riot. The edits, according to reports, made it appear as if he called for violent action.
BBC Chair Admits “Error of Judgement”
BBC Chair Samir Shah told U.K. lawmakers that the broadcaster had made “an error of judgment” in the way it edited Trump’s speech.
“We accept that the editing gave the impression of a direct call for violence,” Shah wrote to Parliament, adding, “The BBC would like to apologise for that error of judgement.”
Shah, who became BBC Chair in 2024, said the broadcaster remains committed to impartiality and restoring public trust.
Top BBC Executives Resign Amid Scandal
The fallout deepened as BBC Director General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday, November 10, 2025. Their departures followed public outrage after the Daily Telegraph leaked a memo from former BBC advisor Michael Prescott, which criticised the network’s coverage of Trump, Gaza, and transgender issues.
Shah stated he did not want Davie to resign but accepted the decision as part of accountability measures.
White House Escalates “Fake News” Feud
The White House amplified the tension, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling the BBC “anti-Trump fake news.” She suggested viewers turn to a more conservative network instead.
Trump reposted her comments on X, claiming the BBC “doctored my very good (PERFECT!) speech.”
British TV host Kirstie Allsopp responded sharply, warning, “The White House is now telling us which news we should watch. Think about that.”
Political Reactions in the U.K.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the resignations, urging tighter oversight of BBC Arabic and reform in the BBC’s U. S. and Middle East coverage.
The scandal comes as the BBC’s charter replacement approach elicits questions about editorial standards, transparency, and political influence in one of the world’s most respected public broadcasters.