Trump Library in Miami Faces Legal Challenge Over Free Land Transfer
A federal lawsuit has been initiated by the Constitutional Accountability Center (CAC) in the Southern District of Florida against Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Miami Dade College (MDC), and various state officials. The legal action aims to annul the transfer of a one-hectare public land parcel in downtown Miami, valued at more than $300 million, to Trump's foundation, claiming it breaches the Domestic Emoluments Clause. The lawsuit references a 1981 opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel that likens land transfers to a sitting president to emoluments. It also raises issues regarding "constructive receipt," highlighting that the foundation is managed by Eric Trump, Michael Boulos, and James D. Kiley, and questions the property tax exemption that saves the foundation over $1 million each year.
Key facts
- CAC filed suit in federal court against Trump, DeSantis, MDC, and Florida officials.
- The suit challenges the free transfer of a one-hectare public parcel valued at over $300 million.
- The transfer allegedly violates the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
- The complaint cites a 1981 Office of Legal Counsel opinion.
- The Trump Library Foundation is run by Eric Trump, Michael Boulos, and James D. Kiley.
- Florida passed a law in June 2025 exempting presidential libraries from local regulations.
- The foundation avoids over $1 million annually in property taxes.
- The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago used a 99-year lease, not a land transfer.
Entities
Institutions
- Constitutional Accountability Center
- Miami Dade College
- Trump Library Foundation
- Florida Public Land Trust
- Office of Legal Counsel
- Obama Foundation
- Protect Our Parks
Locations
- Miami
- Florida
- United States
- Chicago
- Miami-Dade County