Former President Donald Trump is embroiled in another civil trial over allegations of promoting unsuccessful products while making millions.
Lawsuit Origins
Initially filed in 2018, the lawsuit implicates Trump, his children – Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka, and his organization in a scheme involving the marketing company ACN Opportunity, LLC.
Plaintiffs Allege Secret Trump Compensation
The four plaintiffs allege that Trump, his children, and an affiliate of the Trump Organization were secretly compensated with millions for endorsing ACN.
Trump Children Excused
In May 2022, Trump’s children were excused as defendants following depositions that, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney, Roberta Kaplan, clearly indicated that Donald Trump was “the architect, principal actor, and largest beneficiary of the fraudulent scheme.”
Trail Date
The civil trial is set to commence on January 29th.
Trump Children’s Deposition Statements Admissible in Trial
The deposition statements by Trump’s children can still be admitted as evidence during the trial despite Trump and his company continuing to be defendants in the case.
Trump Endorsed a $499 videophone as a “Great Product”
Central to the lawsuit is a $499 videophone from ACN, which Trump, during his tenure on the reality show “Celebrity Apprentice,” had lauded as a “great product.”
Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s On-Air Assertions
Despite his on-air claims of thorough research and personal experience, the lawsuit challenges these assertions as entirely false.
“Not a Word of This Was True”
The lawsuit claims, “Trump also told investors that he had ‘experienced the opportunity’ and ‘done a lot of research,’ and that his endorsement was ‘not for any money. Not a word of this was true.”
Plaintiffs Say Trump Was Responsible for Pyramid Scheme
The plaintiffs assert that Trump should be held responsible for associating his and his family’s names with a pyramid scheme.
Endorsement Claim in “Celebrity Apprentice” Ads
The lawsuit also incorporates advertisements within the show “The Celebrity Apprentice” one of which claims, “Personally endorsed by renowned entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Donald J. Trump.”
No Control over ACN
Previously, Trump and his children asserted that they had no control over ACN and that Trump’s endorsement merely represented his personal opinion.
Politically Motivated Case
The former president also alleged that the civil lawsuit, among others they are currently confronting, was politically motivated.
Multiple Delays
The case has experienced multiple delays due to efforts to dismiss it and disclose the plaintiffs publicly.
Efforts to Avoid Election-Year Trial
Attorney Roberta Kaplan had previously attempted to avoid a trial during an election year.
Kaplan’s Requested Trial Date: October 2023
Following Trump’s announcement of his intent to run again, Kaplan requested a trial date in October 2023, aiming for it to precede primary contests and other campaign-related events.
Kaplan’s November 2022 Letter
Kaplan, in a November 2022 letter, wrote, “Plaintiffs have no desire to interfere with the upcoming campaign, and are mindful that, should the schedule, in this case, extend into 2024, Defendants likely will, as they have in the past, use the campaign as a basis to seek a further delay. Setting a trial date now will provide certainty and avoid any such delay later.”
Denied Class-Action Status, Case Proceeds Individually
Although the plaintiffs’ request for a class-action status was denied in October 2023, the case is proceeding on an individual basis.
Trump Faces Numerous Legal Battles During Re-Election Campaign
This trial is one of the many legal battles Trump faces amidst his re-election campaign, including 91 felony charges and other civil trials.
New York’s Fraud Case Against Trump
Among these is a fraud case filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Trump and his family business, accusing them of inflating assets and lying to lenders and insurers about the value of their properties
$250 Million Damages, Ban on Trump & Sons from NY Business
James is seeking $250 million in damages and permanently barring Trump and his two adult sons from running a New York business.
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
