A group of Miami residents has initiated a federal lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, Miami Dade College, and state officials. They aim to halt the development of Trump's presidential library in Miami, arguing that the land donation breaches the U.S. Constitution.
The lawsuit, titled Sistrunk Seeds Inc. et al. v. Trump et al. (No. 1:26-cv-23365), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. It was brought forth by the Constitutional Accountability Center along with the law firm Gelber Schachter & Greenberg.
The plaintiffs include two Miami residents, the nonprofit Dunn's Overtown Farm—owned by Florida International University emeritus professor Marvin Dunn—and a student involved in urban agriculture.
Constitutional Concerns Over Land Transfer
The core argument of the 57-page lawsuit is that the land transfer contravenes the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which restricts states from offering financial benefits to a sitting president.
As the lawsuit states, "The Domestic Emoluments Clause was adopted to ensure the president's unwavering allegiance to the collective interests of the American nation, preventing individual states from bestowing gifts and other benefits with the hope of securing favorable treatment in return."
The disputed land is a 2.63-acre plot located along Biscayne Boulevard, adjacent to the Kaseya Center and near the Freedom Tower. Officially appraised at $66-67 million by the Miami-Dade County appraiser in 2025, experts cited in the lawsuit estimate its real value could be as high as $360 million.
Allegations of Commercial Intent
The plaintiffs reference statements from Trump himself as proof of commercial intent. The former president mentioned to reporters that the complex might feature "a hotel with a beautiful building below and a Boeing 747 Air Force One in the lobby."
Designs shared by Eric Trump reveal a skyscraper with the "TRUMP" logo, identical to The Trump Organization's branding, similar to the family’s other hotel properties.
The land's history is fraught with controversy. On September 23, 2025, Miami Dade College unanimously voted to transfer the plot to the state of Florida. Just a week later, DeSantis and his cabinet formally approved its transfer to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, Inc.
Legal Battles and Public Opposition
In October 2025, Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz temporarily halted the transfer following a previous lawsuit by Marvin Dunn citing violation of open government laws. However, the Third District Court of Appeals dismissed the injunction in November of that year.
On December 3, 2025, after a lengthy public debate, Miami Dade College reaffirmed the transfer unanimously. By February 2026, the property was officially handed over to the foundation.
In March 2026, Trump unveiled new project designs—a towering glass skyscraper with a tricolor spire and American flag—via an AI-generated video on Truth Social.
The project envisions a replica of the Oval Office, the West Colonnade, a ballroom, giant screens, and an adjacent hotel, potentially making it the first presidential library to feature accompanying tourist development.
Moreover, Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature passed a law preventing local governments from obstructing presidential library constructions, safeguarding the project from potential municipal hurdles.
This lawsuit marks the second legal challenge against the project. Dunn, one of the plaintiffs, emphasized the community's strong opposition: "It's a waste of time to come here. We have 20,000 letters sent to these board members saying: don't do this."
The lawsuit seeks to annul the land transfer and demands constitutional accountability, which could permanently halt construction if federal courts support the plaintiffs' arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Miami Library Controversy
What is the basis of the lawsuit against the Trump library in Miami?
The lawsuit argues that the land donation for Trump's presidential library violates the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits states from granting financial benefits to a sitting president.
Who are the parties involved in the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs include two Miami residents, the nonprofit Dunn's Overtown Farm, and a student of urban agriculture, represented by the Constitutional Accountability Center and the law firm Gelber Schachter & Greenberg.
What are the potential outcomes if the lawsuit succeeds?
If the lawsuit is successful, it could result in the annulment of the land transfer and halt the construction of the Trump presidential library.