President Donald Trump, Miami Dade College, and Florida officials are facing a lawsuit alleging that the donation of public land for the proposed Trump Presidential Library violates the Constitution.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a Miami nonprofit group, residents, and a Miami Dade College student, argued that the Constitution bars states from providing financial benefits or gifts to a sitting president. Plaintiffs claim Florida crossed that line last year when Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) transferred a 2.63-acre parcel in downtown Miami to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
According to the complaint, the land could be worth “hundreds of millions of dollars” and gives Trump an improper personal benefit while still in office.
The legal filing points to comments from Trump and his son, Eric Trump, suggesting the site may house more than a traditional presidential archive. Eric Trump shared conceptual plans in March for a luxury tower tied to the project, while Trump himself told reporters the development could ultimately function as a hotel.
“This concept could be an office, but it’s most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath,” Trump said.
The lawsuit argues the arrangement undermines the intent of the Constitution’s domestic emoluments clause, which was designed to prevent states from currying favor with a president through gifts or financial incentives.
“This provision reflects the Founders’ deep concern that government corruption could undermine the new republic and harm the American people,” the complaint states. “They wrote it to try to prevent Presidents from putting their personal interests above those of the nation.”
Plaintiffs also claim the deal could pressure other states into competing for presidential favor.
“As a result of Florida’s conduct, other states have been forced into an arms race in which they must either compete with Florida to lavish gifts on the President or fear being unfairly disadvantaged,” the lawsuit states.
The complaint further argued that the project appears to be aimed more at commercial development than preserving presidential history, noting Trump has publicly downplayed the idea of building a traditional library or museum. The filing cites Trump describing the proposal as “most likely going to be a hotel” featuring a Boeing 747 Air Force One display in the lobby.
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The lawsuit also alleged the land transfer harmed local nonprofit group Sistrunk Seeds, which operates Dunn’s Overtown Farm and had hoped to use the property for an urban farming project tied to community education initiatives.
In addition, plaintiff Carmen Salcedo, a current Miami Dade College student, argued the college should prioritize projects that benefit students rather than developments that could financially benefit the president.
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