BBC Chief Tim Davie Resigns After Uproar Over Trump Documentary Edit

• Nov 10, 2025

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has resigned following heavy criticism over the editing of a documentary involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, marking one of the biggest leadership shake-ups at the broadcaster in recent years.

Davie, who has led the BBC since 2020, announced his resignation on Monday, saying that while he remained proud of the broadcaster’s journalism, he accepted responsibility for what he described as “serious editorial mistakes.” His decision comes amid mounting public and political scrutiny over the corporation’s handling of a controversial documentary that critics say misrepresented key parts of Trump’s interview footage.

In his statement, Davie defended the BBC’s broader record, calling it “the gold standard of journalism around the world.” However, he admitted that the incident had undermined public trust. “Mistakes were made, and as Director-General, I take ultimate responsibility,” he said.

The controversy began when the BBC aired a documentary on Trump’s post-presidency activities that was later found to have been edited in a way that some claimed distorted his remarks. The issue sparked outrage among viewers, U.K. lawmakers, and U.S. officials, leading to internal and external reviews of the broadcaster’s editorial processes.

Alongside Davie, the BBC’s head of news also announced her resignation, further signaling the depth of the crisis facing the organization. Insiders said the dual resignations were intended to help restore credibility and reassure both the public and the BBC’s global partners of its commitment to impartiality.

The BBC has faced repeated criticism in recent years over accusations of political bias and lapses in editorial judgment. The Trump documentary controversy added to the perception that the broadcaster was struggling to navigate the complex landscape of modern political reporting and digital misinformation.

In the wake of Davie’s resignation, the BBC’s board issued a statement thanking him for his service and acknowledging his leadership during a “challenging period” that included the COVID-19 pandemic, funding debates, and the rapid growth of digital media competition.

The search for Davie’s successor is already underway, with the board pledging to prioritize transparency, accountability, and renewed focus on editorial integrity.