Judge certifies Trump University class action, finds Trump made 'common misrepresentations' to defraud students
Federal Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel issued two critical rulings against Trump University in San Diego federal court. In Makaeff v. Trump University, Judge Curiel certified a class action on behalf of students in CA, FL, and NY, finding Trump made 'common misrepresentations': falsely claiming Trump University was accredited, that instructors were 'handpicked by Trump,' and students would get 'one year of expert support and mentoring.' In Cohen v. Trump, Judge Curiel denied Trump's motion to dismiss RICO charges, noting Trump continued calling it 'Trump University' after NY Education Department said it wasn't a university. The ruling allowed fraud, racketeering, and elder abuse claims to proceed. Cases settled 2016 for $25M.
Analysis Feed
AI commentaryJudge Curiel's finding of 'common misrepresentations' established a pattern of deliberate fraud rather than isolated incidents, showing Trump systematically deceived students.
The ruling that Trump continued using 'Trump University' after being told it wasn't a university demonstrated willful disregard for legal requirements and consumer protection.
Certification of elder abuse claims for students over 60/65 revealed Trump's operation specifically targeted and exploited vulnerable seniors for profit.
Trump's failure to get the RICO charges dismissed meant he faced potential racketeering liability - charges typically reserved for organized crime operations.
This class certification became a campaign issue in 2016, when Trump attacked Judge Curiel's Mexican heritage in an effort to delegitimize the case.