Miami residents have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Miami Dade College, and Florida state officials, challenging the donation of a prime downtown Miami property for Trump's future presidential library. The lawsuit, lodged on Wednesday, alleges that the transfer violates the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from conferring financial benefits on a sitting president.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Benefit
The plaintiffs argue that the land donation, orchestrated with the involvement of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, constitutes an unconstitutional gift to President Trump. The lawsuit contends that the planned presidential library, which may also include a hotel, would generate profits for Trump, thus breaching the emoluments clause. The White House did not respond to a request for comment, and DeSantis's office has not issued a statement.
Extravagant Plans Revealed
Last September, DeSantis moved to transfer a 2.63-acre parcel of land to Trump's presidential library foundation. Since then, Trump and his son Eric have unveiled ambitious designs for a skyscraper housing the library. An artificial intelligence video released in March showcases the tower's exterior and interior, featuring a presidential jet in the lobby and a gold escalator reminiscent of Trump's 2015 campaign launch. The video also depicts a grand ballroom, a replica Oval Office, rooftop gardens, and a large gold statue of Trump.
Trump has hinted at incorporating for-profit elements into the project, stating, "This concept could be an office, but it's most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath." The lawsuit argues that this means the land "is no longer available to serve MDC's student community and Downtown Miami. Instead, the land will house a Trump hotel that brings riches to the President."
Property Value and Historical Significance
The donated property is owned by Miami Dade College and sits adjacent to the Freedom Tower, a historic Spanish Revival skyscraper that once housed a newspaper and later served as a resource center for Cuban asylum seekers. The college now operates the site as a museum. According to a 2025 assessment by the Miami-Dade County property appraiser, the land is valued at approximately $67 million, though other real estate experts suggest it could sell for hundreds of millions more.
The lawsuit was filed by lawyers from the Constitutional Accountability Center in Washington, D.C., and the Miami-based firm Gelber Schachter & Greenberg. The plaintiffs include a Miami Dade College student, two nearby residents, and a local nonprofit that had hoped to use the land for an urban farm.
