A group of Florida residents filed a lawsuit attempting to stop construction of a presidential library honoring President Donald Trump on prime waterfront Miami real estate.
The lawsuit, filed March 13, accuses Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis and others of violating a clause in the constitution that prohibits states from giving a financial benefit to a sitting president. DeSantis and other Florida officials voted to donate 2.63 acres in downtown Miami so the foundation can build a presidential library there in Trump’s name.
Terms of the donation only require the land to contain “components of a Presidential library, museum, and/or center,” according to the lawsuit, and Trump has said “it’s most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath.”
The U.S. Constitution says that, outside of the president’s salary, the president can’t receive during his presidential term “any other Emolument” from Congress or state governments. An “emolument” is a benefit that arises from employment or from being in office, according to Merriam-Webster.
Details of the lawsuit attempting to block the Presidential Trump Library
The lawsuit cites a New York Times story in which a real estate consultant who tracks local trends in the Miami condo market, Peter Zalewski, estimated the property could sell for at least $360 million. The Miami-Dade County property appraiser valued the land at more than $67 million, according to that story.
“Importantly, the Florida Board’s conveyance does not restrict President Trump or the Trump Library Foundation from developing a for-profit commercial or residential property—such as a hotel—on the MDC Parcel,” the lawsuit, which was brought by a Miami nonprofit and multiple Miami residents, states.
The U.S. Justice Department and Florida governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House referred USA TODAY to the library foundation, which also didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The lawsuit also notes a social media post in which Trump’s son, Eric, said he worked with a team at The Trump Organization on “The Donald J. Trump Presidential Library,” sharing the video of the skyscraper. The lawsuit notes that the president owns The Trump Organization, which includes many of his for-profit businesses.
“These statements, individually and collectively, make clear that President Trump intends to monetize this skyscraper, generating significant profit for himself and his family,” according to the lawsuit.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why Florida residents are suing to block a Trump presidential library
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer and Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
