Court Orders Trump to Disclose Business Records in $5 Billion BBC Lawsuit
Updated
Updated · Prospect Magazine · Aug 3
Court Orders Trump to Disclose Business Records in $5 Billion BBC Lawsuit
2 articles · Updated · Prospect Magazine · Aug 3
Summary
A Florida court ordered Donald Trump to turn over internal business and financial records to the BBC, rejecting his bid to delay disclosure in the $5 billion suit.
The judge said records tied to alleged damage to Trump’s brand, properties and businesses must be produced now because those claimed losses are central to his case.
Trump’s lawyers had argued the request was improper, overbroad and unduly burdensome, while seeking to rely later on an expert report instead of immediate document production.
The ruling raises pressure on a lawsuit already weakened by Trump’s inability to show the documentary was seen in the United States and by his earlier withdrawal of claims against two U.S. BBC subsidiaries.
The discovery order leaves Trump facing a choice between exposing sensitive commercial records or retreating from a damages claim far larger than typical awards in such cases.