A recent analysis by USA Today shows that at least 75 of the over 4,000 lawsuits involving Donald Trump and his businesses are currently open. The number of unresolved legal cases is unprecedented for a presidential candidate and, if he’s elected, would be a continuing diversion and embarrassment for the country.
The most problematic cases concern fraud allegations against Donald Trump and Trump University, which students say was used to scheme unsuspecting entrepreneurs out of tens of thousands of dollars each. There are currently three cases: a civil lawsuit filed by the attorney general of New York against Donald Trump and Trump University, a class-action lawsuit filed against Donald Trump and Trump University, and a class action lawsuit filed against Donald Trump personally alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or RICO.
On November 28th, less than three weeks after the election, one of the class action lawsuits seeking damages on behalf of students will go to trial before the California federal court of Judge Curiel, whom Trump has accused of being biased against him because of his Mexican-American heritage.
The suit alleges both that Trump University purposely defrauded students and that Donald Trump himself had a hand in crafting the advertisements and curriculum, making him personally liable.
The students claim they were promised handpicked instructors and valuable guidance; instead they say they were manipulated into maxing out their credit cards, defrauded of up to $35,000 for what amounted to practically infomercials.
Media Resources: USA Today; Washington Post 8/2/16; Think Progress 11/3/16.