A number of previous US Presidents have had to make 'depositions', but usually to commissions, special inquiries, or in criminal cases. I can find no modern record of a President being interrogated under oath in a civil case.
The President says he's too busy to sit down with the BBC's lawyers anytime before December 18th, the date set for current closure of the pre-trial discovery period. The Trump team say if the BBC team agree to an extension of the discovery period, the President 'would make himself available for a deposition in the second or third week of January 2027.'
I offer these key points from the Central Florida Times, on advice for first time deposition witnesses:
"Most effective deposition witnesses follow a few simple rules that protect both their credibility and the case.
Listen to the entire question.
Do not begin answering until the lawyer finishes speaking. This helps you avoid talking over the questioner and ensures the court reporter can make a clean record.
Pause before answering.
Give yourself a beat to understand the question, formulate your answer, and allow your lawyer to object if appropriate.
Answer only the question asked.
Provide concise, direct answers, and resist the urge to volunteer extra information or speculate. If the question calls for yes/no, answer yes or no, then briefly explain only if necessary.
Tell the truth, even when it hurts.
You are under oath and subject to penalties for perjury, but even short of that, inaccurate or evasive testimony can severely damage an association’s case. If you made a mistake in the past, acknowledge it and explain how the board addressed it.
Do not guess.
“I don’t know,” “I don’t remember,” or “I don’t recall the exact date” are perfectly acceptable answers when true. Distinguish between an estimate (which you explain is an estimate) and speculation about things you have no basis to know.
