Former US President Donald Trump has been embroiled in legal issues stemming from his unsuccessful UK court case against Christopher Steele, the former MI6 spy responsible for compiling the controversial 'Steele Dossier'. Here are the key points of the situation:
1. **Legal Costs**: Donald Trump lost a court case earlier this year against Christopher Steele's company, Orbis Business Intelligence, regarding the 'Steele Dossier'. As a result, a UK High Court judge ordered Trump to pay £300,000 (approximately $380,000) in legal costs to Orbis. However, Trump has reportedly failed to comply with this court order for over two months.
2. **Background on Steele Dossier**: The 'Steele Dossier' compiled by Christopher Steele contained allegations of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 US presidential election. It also included controversial claims about Trump's activities in Russia, such as alleged encounters with sex workers involving "golden showers".
3. **Dismissal of Lawsuit**: Trump's lawsuit against Orbis Business Intelligence was dismissed by the UK court earlier this year because it was filed after the six-year statute of limitations had expired.
4. **Trump's Response**: Donald Trump has vehemently denied the allegations in the 'Steele Dossier', labeling it as "fake" and a "pile of garbage". He has argued that the dossier's publication violated his rights under the Data Protection Act.
5. **Christopher Steele's Criticism**: Steele has criticized Trump's legal maneuvers as "lawfare", suggesting that Trump's litigation tactics are aimed at silencing critics or seeking revenge by delaying legal proceedings.
6. **Legal Troubles**: This recent failure to comply with the UK court order adds to Trump's legal challenges. He has also faced other legal issues, including a felony conviction related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
In summary, the ongoing legal saga between Donald Trump and Christopher Steele underscores the contentious aftermath of the 'Steele Dossier' and its implications for both US and UK legal proceedings.
