Speed Reads

See you in court

Judge denies Trump immunity in lawsuit alleging he misused charitable donations for his campaign

A New York judge on Friday denied a request from President Trump's attorneys to dismiss a lawsuit brought by New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood which accuses the president of misusing his family's charitable foundation for political purposes.

The suit alleges Trump and his three eldest children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump, through the foundation engaged in "extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trump's personal and business interests, and violations of basic legal obligations for nonprofit foundations."

The president's lawyers argued he is immune from lawsuits while in office, protested the family's ignorance of any wrongdoing, and said the suit is politically motivated. The judge rejected all three claims.

Underwood praised the decision in a statement saying "the Trump Foundation functioned as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump's business and political interests." Trump Foundation lawyer Alan Futerfas maintained "all of the money raised by the Foundation went to charitable causes to assist those most in need."