BBC Proms to mark US 250th anniversary despite Trump's lawsuit

The BBC Proms will include a programme of American music to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, while Donald Trump is pursuing a $1bn legal claim against the broadcaster over edited Panorama footage.

The BBC Proms will feature a season of American-focused concerts to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Planning for the 2026 programme began well before recent geopolitical events and before a legal dispute between the BBC and Donald Trump emerged. The broadcaster says it will include works by US composers and guest American conductors alongside other Proms programming. Organisers are mindful of the potential for protests given recent demonstrations and past disruptions at Proms concerts. Key details: - The season was devised to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and will weave American-themed elements through the summer concerts. - Donald Trump announced a $1bn lawsuit against the BBC in November 2025, contesting edits to his January 6, 2016 remarks used in Panorama; the corporation is disputing the claim. - Programme highlights include works by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, a Miles Davis celebration, performances with the LA Phil and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Marin Alsop conducting an American Classics evening. - BBC insiders note the programme was planned before the recent war involving the US and Iran, and organisers are aware of the heightened risk of protest activity after recent demonstrations. - The Proms will retain customary British elements for the Last Night, and the season opens with the First Night on July 17. Summary: The BBC plans to proceed with a Proms season that spotlights American music while also keeping other festival traditions. The lawsuit brought by Donald Trump against the BBC is ongoing and is being contested by the broadcaster. The season opens on July 17 and the outcome of the legal dispute is undetermined at this time.