US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised the BBC, accusing it of producing misleading coverage as a legal dispute between the two sides continues. Speaking at the White House, Mr Trump described the broadcaster in strongly critical terms while responding to questions about a defamation lawsuit he has filed over a television documentary. Get today's headlines by email Legal dispute over documentaryThe case centres on an episode of the BBC’s Panorama programme broadcast in 2024, which drew controversy over its portrayal of comments made by Mr Trump following the 2020 US presidential election. The programme was criticised for suggesting that the then former president had encouraged supporters to storm the US Capitol in January 2021 after losing the election to Joe Biden. Mr Trump has denied that characterisation and launched a lawsuit seeking $10bn (£7.5bn) in damages. The BBC has since filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing against the claims made in the lawsuit. BBC response and internal falloutThe controversy surrounding the programme led to significant internal repercussions at the broadcaster. Director-general Tim Davie resigned following criticism that the documentary may have selectively edited footage of Mr Trump’s remarks. BBC chairman Samir Shah also issued an apology, acknowledging what he described as an “error of judgment” in how the material had been presented. He said the editing created the impression that Mr Trump had made a direct call for violent action, a characterisation that has been strongly disputed by the former president and his supporters. Trump’s latest criticismMr Trump renewed his criticism of the BBC while hosting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office. He told reporters that footage used in the documentary had been manipulated and claimed that artificial intelligence may have been used to generate certain clips. He did not provide evidence to support that claim. The US president also criticised the BBC’s reporting on the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, describing it as inaccurate. According to Mr Trump, coverage of the war did not reflect what he characterised as US military success. Broader tensions with mediaMr Trump has frequently criticised media organisations, both in the United States and internationally, accusing them of bias and misrepresentation. His use of the term “fake news” has been a recurring feature of his political rhetoric, often directed at outlets he considers critical of his administration. The latest comments come as tensions remain high between the White House and sections of the media over coverage of both domestic and international issues. Ongoing proceedingsIt remains unclear how the legal case between Mr Trump and the BBC will proceed. When asked about the lawsuit, Mr Trump said he would wait to see how the situation develops. The dispute highlights broader questions about media accountability, editorial standards and the use of footage in political reporting, particularly in cases involving high-profile public figures. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 March 2026
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