US President Donald Trump has said he feels an “obligation” to sue the BBC for editing one of his speeches in a misleading way. Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Trump accused the British broadcaster of deceiving the public and admitted he was considering legal action.
His lawyers had already sent a legal notice threatening a billion-dollar lawsuit, according to a letter seen by AFP. The BBC apologized for the edit, which made it appear that Trump had called for “violent action” before the 2021 Capitol riot.
“I guess I have to, why not?” Trump said when asked about suing the BBC. “You can’t allow people to do that. They defrauded the public and admitted it.”
The controversy has shaken the BBC, with its director general and top news executive resigning on Sunday. The broadcaster said it would review the legal letter and issued a public apology.
The dispute comes as the BBC prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, which expires in 2027. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has tried to defend the BBC’s independence while avoiding taking sides.
The edited documentary aired last year and reignited debates over Trump’s media battles.
