On Thursday, a judge authorized Miami Dade College to transfer a prime site in downtown Miami for use as Donald Trump’s presidential library, dismissing a lawsuit that claimed the college had breached state transparency laws.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mavel Ruiz’s decision removes a temporary block that had prevented the college from transferring a parking lot at 500-540 Biscayne Boulevard—next to the historic Freedom Tower—to the state, as reported by the Miami Herald.
State officials intend to convey the property to a nonprofit foundation managed by members of the Trump family, with plans to develop a $950 million project that includes a high-rise, mixed-use complex.
Historian and activist Dr. Marvin Dunn filed suit against Miami Dade College to halt the transfer, alleging that the board of trustees had violated Florida’s laws on public records and open meetings when they initially voted in September to proceed with the deal.
Earlier this month, the board held a second vote during a crowded public hearing in Hialeah, where numerous speakers voiced opposition to the transfer. Ultimately, the board again voted unanimously to transfer the land to a state board made up of Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida’s cabinet members, all Republicans.
Ruiz found that the college’s second vote adhered to Florida’s Sunshine Law, resolving the transparency concerns that had affected the initial decision.
Dunn maintained that the trustees had not properly notified the public before their first vote, which took place during a special meeting with minimal discussion or disclosure about the property. Ruiz had originally sided with Dunn, pausing the transaction and scheduling a trial for August.
The foundation spearheading the project’s fundraising aims to gather approximately $950 million over the next three years, during Trump’s current term, according to filings with the Internal Revenue Service. Major donors this year include ABC News with a $15 million commitment, CBS News pledging nearly $16 million, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta at $22 million.
To date, the foundation has spent $400,000 in compensation for its directors and trustees: Eric Trump of the Trump Organization, Michael Boulous (husband of Tiffany Trump), and James Kiley, an attorney for the former president.
