Trump reaches $25 million settlement in Trump University case
President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers have reached a settlement in the lawsuit against Trump University, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman confirmed in a statement Friday. Though Trump reportedly did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement of the class-action lawsuit, the billionaire did agree to pay $25 million to settle the case, including $1 million in penalties to the state of New York for violating education laws. The suit accused the now-defunct, for-profit university of fraud.
"Today's $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university," Schneiderman said in a statement.
Trump vowed prior to his election that he would not settle the suit, brought by students who claimed they did not receive the real estate "secrets" and "hand-picked" instructors they were promised — after paying nearly $35,000 each in tuition. Throughout the entire campaign the trial date — originally set for Nov. 28 — loomed, and Trump's team had voiced concerns the legal battle would conflict with Trump's mounting responsibilities as president-elect.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, the judge whom Trump accused of being unable to provide a fair trial because of his Mexican heritage, was set to preside over the case.
A free daily email with the day’s biggest news and analysis – and the best features from TheWeek.com