Donald Trump Criticizes BBC Over Panorama Video Scandal
Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC), exposed how the broadcaster altered a speech by President Donald Trump to falsely suggest he incited the Capitol Hill riots. Prescott shared a detailed internal memo with the BBC Board after his warnings about the issue were ignored.
Details of the Altered Video
The controversy centers on an episode of Panorama aired in October 2024, where the BBC broadcast a manipulated clip of Trump. The edited segment made it appear that the President encouraged supporters to "fight like hell" by walking to the Capitol with him. In reality, Trump said he would walk with them "to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."
"The 'mangled' excerpt 'completely misled' viewers."
Response from Trump's Team
Karoline Leavitt, President Trump's press secretary, condemned the clip as "100 per cent fake news." This statement came amid increasing international pressure on BBC executives Tim Davie and Deborah Turness to address the scandal.
Background on Michael Prescott
- Served three years as independent external adviser to BBC's EGSC
- Left the role in June 2025
- Sent the critical memo to the BBC Board last month
- Warnings to the standards watchdog were dismissed or ignored
Impact on the BBC
The incident has sparked widespread debate about journalistic integrity and accuracy within the BBC, damaging its credibility amid ongoing international scrutiny.
Author's summary: The leaked memo reveals how the BBC distorted President Trump's speech, igniting controversy and accusations of "fake news" from the White House.