Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are facing intense pressure to testify in President Donald Trump’s massive $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC. Court filings reveal that the broadcaster’s legal team is attempting to serve subpoenas on the high-profile couple at their Florida residence.
For context, the news came after President Trump filed a lawsuit against the British network over a documentary about the January 6 Capitol riot. The lawsuit alleges that the BBC edited his pre-riot rally speech to make it seem as though he incited the crowd. While the network acknowledged editing the footage, representatives dispute claims that the edits altered the core meaning of his address.
In an effort to build its legal defense, the network is seeking testimony and documents from key individuals present during the speech drafting process. That includes Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr., who were all close to the president during those critical hours.
Secret Service Blocks Process Servers in Ivanka Trump Lawsuit Fight
Efforts to serve the three family members with Rule 45 subpoenas have hit a literal brick wall due to executive security protocols. According to a motion filed on Friday in the United States District Court in Miami, process servers attempting to deliver documents were turned away by law enforcement officers outside the couple’s home.
Lawyers for the network explained that the family members are protected by the United States Secret Service as immediate family of the sitting president. Officers at the scene instructed servers to coordinate directly with federal security officials, who then refused to assist. (Talk about an awkward standoff at the front gate!)
The motion quotes the Secret Service’s General Counsel, stating that the federal agency is not authorized to accept service for these private individuals. Furthermore, the agency noted it could not provide advice on how to properly facilitate service.
President Trump’s legal representatives have formally opposed motions that would allow alternative service methods for his adult children. The White House and legal representatives for the involved parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the filing.
Legal Gridlock Surrounds the $10 Billion BBC Defamation Action
With in-person delivery currently blocked, the network’s legal team is asking the Miami federal court to authorize alternative delivery options. They are requesting permission to serve Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. via mail or through third-party avenues.
Network attorneys argue that the family members hold personal knowledge and vital records directly relevant to multiple elements of the case. They contend that standard service rules should be adapted given the unique security barriers surrounding the president’s family.
It remains unclear how the district court judge will handle the procedural standoff between media attorneys and executive protection details. Getting past federal security agents to hand over legal paperwork is proving to be a wild challenge for process servers.
Until the court issues a official ruling on alternative service, the high-stakes legal battle remains stalled in procedural limbo. Observers are closely watching to see if the family will ultimately be forced to hand over documents and give depositions.
Athaliah Mejares is a writer with experience covering news and feature stories across a range of topics. As a former junior editor for International Business Times UK, she contributed articles on current events, entertainment, and trending stories, delivering timely and engaging content to a global audience. She is passionate about clear, accurate storytelling and creating content that keeps readers informed.
