Donald Trump lashes out at 'fake news' BBC over Panorama video scandal

In a leaked memo, former BBC adviser Michael Prescott accused the corporation of doctoring a speech by President Donald Trump to make it appear as though he had encouraged the Capitol Hill riots. The controversy centers on an episode of Panorama broadcast in October 2024.

Accusations and internal warnings

Michael Prescott, who served for three years as an independent external adviser to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee before leaving in June, sent an internal report to the BBC Board last month. He stated that his repeated warnings to the committee were often dismissed or ignored.

In the memo, Prescott wrote that the corporation “doctored” President Trump’s speech to mislead viewers into thinking he urged supporters to “fight like hell,” when in reality, he had called on them “to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.”

White House and public reaction

President Trump’s White House has strongly criticized the broadcaster over the incident. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, described the Panorama clip as “100 per cent fake news.” The dispute has intensified international scrutiny of BBC executives Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, who face growing calls for accountability.

Background of the scandal

The Panorama segment allegedly used edited footage of a speech given by the President before the January 6 events, replacing specific phrases to alter their meaning. The revelations sparked a wave of criticism concerning journalistic ethics and editorial oversight within the BBC.

Author’s summary: Leaked documents reveal BBC staff allegedly altered President Trump’s speech in a Panorama episode, prompting a fierce backlash from the White House and calls for transparency.

Daily Mail — 2025-11-08