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BBC seeks to subpoena Trump family members in defamation suit

Created at 14 Aug · 6:11 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

The BBC is seeking court authorization to serve subpoenas on Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner as part of a defamation lawsuit. Attorneys for the network claim the family members have relevant information regarding Donald Trump's actions and statements around the January 6th Capitol riot.

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Who's Involved

BBC
seeking to subpoena Trump family members in defamation suit
Donald Trump Jr.
subject of BBC subpoena attempt
Ivanka Trump
subject of BBC subpoena attempt
Jared Kushner
subject of BBC subpoena attempt, drafted statement
Troy Epstein
lawyer for the Secret Service

↳ Why This Matters

This legal maneuver highlights ongoing efforts to gather evidence related to Donald Trump's conduct around the January 6th Capitol riot, potentially impacting defamation proceedings against the BBC and shedding further light on the former president's inner circle's involvement.

Key facts

  • BBC attorneys are seeking to subpoena Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner in a defamation suit.
  • The BBC claims the Trump family members have information about Donald Trump's speech revisions and statements around January 6th.
  • Attempts to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. have been unsuccessful.
  • The Secret Service stated it is not authorized to accept service of subpoenas for the individuals.
  • The BBC has requested court permission to serve the subpoenas by mail or through President Trump's attorneys.

The BBC is pursuing legal action to obtain testimony and documents from Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner as part of a defamation lawsuit. BBC attorneys argue that these individuals possess crucial information related to President Donald Trump's actions and statements, particularly concerning his revised speech and presence at the Ellipse during the events surrounding January 6th, 2021. The network's legal team also noted that Kushner drafted a statement for the president condemning the violence.

Efforts to formally serve the subpoenas have encountered significant obstacles. In May, attempts to deliver the documents to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner at their Miami residence were blocked by law enforcement. A lawyer representing the U.S. Secret Service, Troy Epstein, communicated via email that the agency could not accept service on behalf of the individuals, stating it was not authorized to do so.

Similarly, an attempt to serve Donald Trump Jr. at the Trump Organization's offices in New York also proved unsuccessful. In a recent filing in federal court in Miami, the BBC's attorneys indicated that lawyers representing the former president also refused to accept the subpoenas. The BBC is now requesting the court's intervention, seeking authorization for service via mail or an order deeming service through President Trump's attorneys as sufficient.

Spokespeople for the Trump family members and the former president's legal team have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Frequently asked questions

The BBC is seeking deposition testimony and relevant documents from Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner.

The BBC's attorneys believe they have information regarding Donald Trump's speech revisions and statements around the January 6th events, relevant to a defamation lawsuit.

No, attempts to serve the subpoenas on Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. have been unsuccessful so far.

The Secret Service blocked an attempt to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, stating they were not authorized to accept service for the individuals.

What Happens Next

01The court will rule on the BBC's motion to authorize service of subpoenas.

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Cadence

How It Developed

BBC attorneys stated Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner have relevant information.
The BBC attempted to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in Miami in May.
The Secret Service blocked the attempt to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump and Kushner.
A similar attempt to serve Donald Trump Jr. at Trump Tower was unsuccessful.
The BBC is asking a federal court in Miami to authorize service by mail or through President Trump's attorneys.

Sources

T1
BBC seeks to subpoena Trump family members in defamation suitPolitico

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