Dominion Voting Systems alleges that Fox-owned TV channels broadcast a large number of false and far-fetched statements about its role in the election and Mr Trump’s defeat.

It is rare for a lawsuit in the US to include such a large number of allegedly defamatory statements, legal experts told The New York Times. This is because of the broad free speech protections under the First Amendment.

However, the case is moving closer to trial with both parties now examining documents exchanged during the discovery process with no talks on an out-of-court settlement. Sources said Fox owners Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch may be deposed later this month as part of the case.

Dominion has filed separate lawsuits against some of the individuals who have promoted conspiracy theories about its role in the election, including Trump’s former lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Lee Levine, an attorney specialising in the First Amendment, said: “We’re litigating history in a way — what is historical truth? Here you’re taking very recent current events and going through a process which, at the end, is potentially going to declare what the correct version of history is.”