Political satire. The preparation session below is invented.
Donald would like to speak to the manager of his own lawsuit.
A judge has set December 11 as Trump's deposition deadline in his $10 billion BBC lawsuit, under the current discovery schedule.[1]
This has inspired our entirely fictional reconstruction of the moment his lawyers explained that the other side gets to ask questions.
"Questions about what?"
"Your case."
"I already told them I'm suing."
"Yes. They have some follow-ups."
Donald considered this deeply unfair. He had gone to considerable trouble to identify the enemy, announce an impressive number, and put his name at the top. Now somebody wanted him to remain involved after the publicity.
His lawyer began with a basic explanation of the two parties.
"You are the plaintiff."
"Good."
"The BBC is the defendant."
"Very good."
"They get to defend themselves."
Donald asked who had approved that feature.
The first practice question concerned the basis for his claim. Donald answered with a description of how many people loved him. His lawyer tried again. Donald added that the people who did not love him were very dishonest.
The lawyer explained that repeating an accusation at greater volume did not supply the missing detail.
Donald asked whether they had tried it with a larger font.
Then came the warning about follow-up questions. These could arrive immediately after an answer, from the same person, without a commercial break or an aide announcing that they had time for one more.
"What if I've finished talking?"
"They may not have finished asking."
"That sounds like a hostile interview."
"It is your lawsuit."
Scheduling has already become part of the real dispute. The BBC said Trump canceled an agreed October 16 deposition, citing national obligations, while attending campaign events that day.[2]
Back in our invented rehearsal, an aide explained that being president and being the plaintiff were two different roles.
"Then have the plaintiff handle it," Donald said.
"We're trying."
The team moved on to the court reporter. Her job, they explained, was to record what was said.
"The good parts?"
"All of it."
"Who picks the good parts?"
"Nobody."
Donald looked around for someone more senior. There had apparently been a serious breakdown in production.
He requested an applause break after the first answer. His lawyer said there would be no audience. Donald suggested bringing a few people who already knew the answers were excellent.
The lawyer placed a document in front of him and asked him to read it.
Donald complimented the document. It had a strong opening, an excellent name at the top, and the sort of confidence you rarely see in paperwork anymore.
"Have you read it?"
"I'm telling you it's very good."
The lawyer made a note to order more coffee.
An aide suggested that Donald could simply prepare. They could review the relevant events, examine the records, and work through the questions carefully.
"How long would that take?"
"That depends on the questions."
"Can we send them a list of questions I'd prefer?"
The aide quietly removed the word SIMPLY from her notes.
Finally, the lawyer slid the complaint across the table. Donald studied the first page, then demanded to know who had made him such a central figure in all this.
The lawyer pointed to the name at the top.
Donald J. Trump, Plaintiff.
Donald asked whether the BBC could be sued for leaving that part in.
Key Takeaways
- The current deposition deadline is December 11.[1]
- The BBC has accused Trump of delaying his appearance; that is the broadcaster's allegation.[2]
- Depositions involve recorded questioning under oath and can include a party to the lawsuit.[3][4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Trump does not comply?
Potential sanctions include dismissal, unless the discovery schedule is extended.[1]
What is a deposition?
It is questioning under oath during discovery, generally outside the courtroom. Rule 30 permits depositions of parties, subject to its requirements and exceptions.[3][4]
Why did Trump sue the BBC?
Over a documentary's edit of his January 6 speech. The BBC apologized for the edit but denies defamation.[1]
Has Trump been awarded $10 billion?
No. That is his demand; the deposition order is not a damages award.[1]
Receipts
- AP: Deposition deadline, October 22
- The Times: BBC's allegations about the canceled deposition
- U.S. District Court: Depositions, discovery, and other terms
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30
Related: Trump Calls Reality Fake. Reality Still Wants Its Money. and Attorney at Flaw. Qualified Monday. Fired Friday..
