Donald Trump faces a setback in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC as a judge orders him to reveal years of financial records. This ruling compels the US President, known for keeping his business details private, to disclose the financial performance and value of his companies.

The BBC requested these records as part of its defense in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over a Panorama documentary on the January 6 riots. The judge’s decision follows a previous indication that Trump cannot claim damages without providing the necessary evidence.

The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, which owns most of his properties and businesses, must submit financial documents within ten days and continue weekly disclosures until completion. The judge limited the disclosure to documents from January 1, 2023, onwards, rejecting Trump’s attempt to block the subpoena.

This ruling marks a significant win for the BBC, leading to potential scrutiny of financial information Trump has long tried to keep private. Despite Trump’s lawyers arguing against the trust’s involvement, the judge emphasized the relevance of their records to the case due to Trump’s claims of substantial damages.

The dispute originates from a 2024 Panorama documentary on Trump’s speech before the Capitol attack, where the BBC admitted to editing remarks to create a misleading impression. Unlike other media companies settling with Trump, the BBC is contesting the allegations in court. The case is set for jury trial in Miami in February 2027.