AUNTIE V TRUMP

President's $10bn lawsuit could backfire, Lawyers 'to quiz him over January 6 riot'

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN US Editor

DONALD Trump could be forced to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth if he goes ahead with his $10billion lawsuit against the BBC.

Lawyers for the broadcaster are said to be considering launching an aggressive defence. And they could make the US president face questions about his actions during the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.

It is something no congressional committee, prosecutor or journalist has ever been able to do, with Mr Trump so far managing to avoid scrutiny over his supporters' actions that day. A source close to the case told the Mirror: "The moment Trump filed this case, he opened the door. He thinks he can attack the BBC for $10bn. But he could expose himself to questioning that could finally pin down what he did, what he knew and when."

Mr Trump has launched two actions worth $5bn (£3.7m) each against the BBC over its editing of a speech he made on the day of the riot in Washington, DC. One is for defamation and the other for violation of trade practices. The corporation has apologised but refused to pay damages, and Mr Trump claims it was part of a deliberate attempt to damage his 2024 election prospects.

A BBC spokesperson said: "As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case." The US legal source told the Mirror: "Trump thinks this lawsuit puts the BBC on trial - in reality, it puts him on the stand.