Former President Donald Trump has initiated legal proceedings against Christopher Steele, a former MI6 officer, and his intelligence consultancy firm, Orbis Business Intelligence. The lawsuit is based on a data protection claim, marking a new chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding the infamous ‘dirty dossier’.
Steele, who previously headed the Secret Intelligence Service’s Russia desk, authored the contentious dossier that claimed Russia possessed compromising material on Trump. This document, leaked to BuzzFeed in 2017, alleged that Russian security service, the FSB, had ‘compromised’ Trump.
It further suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ‘supported and directed’ an operation to ‘cultivate’ Trump as a presidential candidate for ‘at least five years.’
Former President Donald Trump is suing a former British MI6 officer and the intelligence consultancy he founded, High Court records show. pic.twitter.com/JkRIfkDYd6
— SNN (@STONENNEWS) September 29, 2023
Trump has consistently denied these allegations, dismissing them as part of a larger campaign to discredit his presidency. The lawsuit represents a significant step in Trump’s efforts to clear his name and challenge those who he believes have wronged him.
The court records reveal that a two-day hearing for Trump’s legal action is scheduled to commence on October 16.
This hearing is believed to be the first in this particular claim. However, no further details about the case have been disclosed at this time. It is also understood that Trump is not expected to attend the hearing in person.
This isn’t the first time Steele and Orbis Business Intelligence have faced legal repercussions over the publication of the dossier. Russian national Aleksej Gubarev previously sued them for libel, asserting they were legally responsible for BuzzFeed publishing the dossier.
However, in October 2020, Mr Justice Warby dismissed the claim.
Trump suing ex-MI6 officer who alleged he was ‘compromised’ by Russian security service https://t.co/C3qibkS4Tq
— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) September 28, 2023
The ‘dirty dossier’ has been a source of controversy since its emergence, with critics arguing it was used as a political weapon to undermine Trump’s presidency. Supporters of Trump have long called for accountability and transparency regarding the origins and use of the dossier.
This lawsuit represents a significant development in Trump’s ongoing battle to challenge what he perceives as unfounded allegations against him.
It also underscores his commitment to holding those responsible for the ‘dirty dossier’ accountable. As the legal proceedings unfold, they are sure to attract significant attention and potentially shed new light on this contentious chapter in recent political history.
The former president’s decision to sue Christopher Steele and Orbis Business Intelligence is a clear indication of his determination to fight back against what he sees as an orchestrated campaign to tarnish his reputation. As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly continue to generate significant interest and debate.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
