A Miami judge has temporarily stopped Miami Dade College from transferring valuable downtown land to the state for Donald Trump’s proposed presidential library. Circuit Court Judge Mavel Ruiz ruled that the college must retain ownership of the property until the court decides whether the school violated Florida’s Sunshine Law during its September board meeting.
“The court does not believe that the notice was reasonable,” Judge Ruiz said, questioning whether the public had fair warning of the land transfer vote.
Historian Marvin Dunn filed the lawsuit, claiming the college’s trustees acted without proper transparency when they voted to give away 2.6 acres near the Freedom Tower. Dunn said he simply wants the college to hold a new, properly noticed public meeting.
Attorneys for the school argued that the meeting notice was sufficient and accused Dunn of having political motives. “Of course not, that’s ridiculous. I resent that. I respect the law; I thoroughly resent that. How dare you suggest that of me?” Dunn responded during the hearing.
For now, Trump’s high-rise library plans are on hold. The judge left open the possibility of revisiting the issue, but made it clear the college cannot give up the land until the full case is heard.
