Donald Trump has reportedly put the BBC “on notice,” warning the broadcaster that he plans to sue them for $1 billion (£760 million) over a doctored Panorama broadcast.
According to a letter from his legal team, the President says the network misrepresented his speech before the January 6 Capitol riot, cutting out a section where he encouraged his supporters to demonstrate peacefully.
The letter, sent to BBC Chairman Samir Shah by Trump’s Florida-based lawyer Alejandro Brito, demanded a full retraction, an apology, and financial compensation by 5pm EST this Friday.
Brito said in the letter: “The BBC has caused President Trump to suffer overwhelming financial and reputational harm,” adding, “The BBC is on notice.”
BBC Faces Internal Turmoil
The threat comes amid chaos inside the BBC, following the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.
The resignations came after revelations that Panorama had spliced two sections of Trump’s speech, giving the false impression he was urging violence during the Capitol riots.
Chairman Samir Shah has acknowledged mistakes but defended the corporation, insisting that leaked internal reports presented only a partial picture.
In a letter to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, he said: “The BBC has published corrections, changed editorial guidance, made leadership changes, and carried out formal disciplinary measures.”
Trump Brands BBC “Corrupt”
Trump wasted no time condemning the broadcaster, calling it “corrupt” and describing staff as “very dishonest” in posts on social media.
Nigel Farage echoed the sentiment, claiming Trump is “absolutely enraged” and accusing the BBC of election interference.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team told NBC that the BBC defamed the former President by editing the documentary to “interfere in the Presidential Election,” and pledged to hold the network accountable.
Divisions at the Top
Inside the BBC, tensions are mounting. Sources describe disagreements between senior staff and the board as “like armed combat.”
Nick Robinson, on the Today Programme, painted a picture of paralysis at the top, suggesting that political maneuvering and internal conflicts have prevented the BBC from effectively addressing the issue.
Some insiders argued that the network has been “captured by minority ideologies,” citing controversies over coverage of transgender issues, Gaza, and even pop culture events like Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance.
Former executives defended the BBC, however, insisting claims of systemic bias are exaggerated.
Mixed Messages on Accountability
Turness, in her resignation statement, defended her journalists’ integrity while acknowledging that the Panorama scandal had caused reputational damage.
“While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong,” she said.
Davie, in his note to staff, echoed the sentiment, taking responsibility for errors but insisting that the BBC overall is delivering well.
Shah confirmed that the corporation is now considering how to respond to Trump’s legal threats.
Political Reactions and Public Scrutiny
The scandal has drawn responses from politicians across the spectrum.
Sir Ed Davey called for a “new leaf” at the BBC, while Kemi Badenoch urged top-to-bottom reform.
Farage warned that the BBC risks losing public trust if it cannot operate impartially.
Government ministers have defended the corporation, noting its wide-ranging coverage and continued reliance by audiences for information.
Former Downing Street communications chief Sir Craig Oliver criticised the BBC’s governance, calling it a “vacuum” that allowed criticism to escalate without a proper response.
He suggested the corporation failed to act quickly or decisively, leaving it exposed to public and political backlash.
A Corporation Under Pressure
The Panorama controversy is just the latest in a series of challenges for the BBC, including previous editorial missteps, contentious coverage of political and social issues, and high-profile personnel controversies.
With Trump now threatening legal action and internal divisions coming to light, the broadcaster faces a period of intense scrutiny, both at home and abroad.
For now, the BBC has said it will review Trump’s letter and respond in due course, but the coming days could define the future of one of the world’s most influential news organisations.