Trump Faces Legal Setback as UK Court Orders $487k Payment Over Failed Steele Dossier Lawsuit
Trump refuses to pay £290,000 legal fees after losing lawsuit over Steele dossier, claiming sovereign immunity, UK court hears.
In a new legal blow, former U.S. President Donald Trump has failed to pay a £290,000 (approximately $487,000) legal bill following the dismissal of his data protection lawsuit in the UK. The case, filed against Orbis Business Intelligence, stemmed from allegations made in the infamous Steele dossier, which claimed ties between Trump’s 2016 election campaign and Russia—claims Trump has consistently denied.
The lawsuit was thrown out in February 2024 by a London court, which ruled that there were no compelling reasons for the claim to proceed. Trump’s legal representatives argued that the dossier’s claims of “perverted sexual acts” in Russia were false, and the report was filled with “false, phoney, or made-up allegations.” Despite the case’s dismissal, Orbis’ legal team now says Trump has refused to settle the £290,000 owed for the firm’s legal costs.
Orbis’ lawyer, Mark Friston, told the court that no valid reason had been provided for the non-payment. Trump, on the other hand, is now asserting “sovereign immunity” as a defense, claiming that as a former head of state, he is exempt from enforcement actions. However, this argument has been dismissed as “completely hopeless” by Friston, given that the lawsuit was a private matter.
Trump’s lawyer, Jacqueline Perry, stated that dealing with a sitting president created unusual complications, asserting that the case wasn’t a high priority for Trump. She also mentioned that the former president was focused on a professional negligence claim against his previous legal advisors for mishandling the case, rather than addressing Orbis’ legal fees.
The court has ordered Trump to pay the £290,000 within 28 days. If he fails to do so, he will be barred from participating in future court hearings related to Orbis’ legal costs.
