Trump’s Presidential Library Runs Into Legal Issues

A new lawsuit has ignited a political firestorm in Florida, accusing Miami Dade College of breaking state law by secretly gifting prime downtown land for President Donald Trump’s future Presidential Library.

The suit, filed Monday by historian Dr. Marvin Dunn in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court, claims the college’s board violated Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, which requires transparency and public notice for all official meetings.

Under the deal, approved September 23, the college’s Board of Trustees voted to hand over 2.6 acres of valuable real estate near Miami’s Freedom Tower to the State of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state cabinet later approved the transfer to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation — a property appraised at more than $67 million.

🔍 Transparency Law at the Center of Controversy

According to court filings, the meeting notice described only a “discussion of potential real estate transactions,” without mentioning the Trump Library deal — a move Dunn’s team says violated Florida’s open-government rules.

“This lawsuit isn’t about politics,” the filing states. “It’s about accountability. The Sunshine Law was broken, plain and simple.”

Dunn, 85, a retired Florida International University professor and longtime civil rights advocate, also sent a letter to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, urging a full investigation into what he called “a blatant abuse of public trust.”

“Florida taxpayers deserve transparency,” Dunn said. “Public land shouldn’t be handed out like political favors — especially not behind closed doors.”

📊 Public Backlash and Community Reaction

Attorney Richard Brodsky, representing Dunn, said the board’s actions “hurt students and broke the law.”

A poll from Bendixen & Amandi found that 74% of Miami-Dade residents — including 59% of Republicans — believe the property should remain with the college rather than be gifted for the Trump Library project.

Former Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón echoed that sentiment, saying it’s “unimaginable” the board would approve such a move “without any real discussion of consequences.”

🇺🇸 Supporters Say Trump Library Will Boost Florida Economy

Supporters of the project argue that President Trump’s Presidential Library would be a major cultural and economic draw for South Florida — honoring his historic leadership, boosting tourism, and creating new jobs.

They point to Trump’s record of reviving America’s economy, strengthening the military, and restoring American pride, noting that the library would attract patriotic visitors from across the nation.

Meanwhile, critics claim the process lacked transparency and may have skirted Florida’s long-standing sunshine laws.

⚖️ What Happens Next

As the legal fight unfolds, the case underscores the growing tension between Florida’s open-government laws, local political power, and President Trump’s enduring influence across the Sunshine State.

The outcome could shape not just the future of the Trump Presidential Library, but also how Florida handles public land and transparency in state institutions.