A judge has temporarily stopped the transfer of a downtown Miami property intended for the future Donald Trump presidential library. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz issued a temporary injunction on Tuesday, as reported by the Associated Press. The order halts the deal until a final ruling is made or until Miami Dade College holds a new public meeting to discuss the matter.
The legal challenge was brought by Miami activist Marvin Dunn, who sued Miami Dade College on October 6. Dunn claims that the college violated Florida’s open government laws by not providing enough public notice before approving the land transfer last month.
Judge Ruiz stated that the college “didn’t give the public reasonable notice ahead of the vote,” but clarified that “the case was ‘not rooted in politics.’”
The property, located at 500-540 Biscayne Boulevard, covers nearly three acres and is valued at about $67 million by county appraisers. It is one of downtown Miami’s last undeveloped sites, surrounded by luxury condominiums, museums, and waterfront parks. Real estate analysts believe it could be worth much more if sold openly.
Miami Dade College’s board approved transferring the land to a state fund managed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a meeting on September 23. The following week, DeSantis and cabinet members voted to give the parcel to a foundation tasked with building Trump’s library. The foundation is led by Eric Trump, Michael Boulos, and attorney James Kiley.
Dunn’s attorneys argued that details about the location and purpose of the deal were missing from the September 23 agenda. Lawyers for Miami Dade College said all legal requirements were met and warned that delays could cost the college up to $300,000.
Other universities, such as Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, were previously considered as sites for Trump’s library. Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed legislation shielding such projects from objections by local governments.
