MIAMI — The potential future location for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library in downtown Miami is drawing new scrutiny, as a South Florida historian and civil rights activist is making serious allegations about how the land was approved.
Local historian, author, and Florida International University professor Marvin Dunn has filed a complaint with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, claiming state Sunshine Laws were violated when Miami Dade College trustees voted to cede land to the state.
“I want Miami Dade College trustees to rescind that offer,” Dunn told Local 10 News. “They took land from our kids without the decency of asking us, the public, what we thought about that.”
In his two-page complaint, Dunn alleges the MDC Board of Trustees violated Sunshine Laws when it voted on Sept. 23 to convey a 2.5-acre property to the state — just seven days after the request was made.
According to the complaint, “Within mere hours of the Board’s decision, the Attorney General of the State of Florida announced that the property would be given to the Trump Presidential Library for development.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cabinet voted Tuesday to dedicate the land to the Trump library.
“Presumably, they did not meet beforehand. That would be a violation of the law,” Dunn said. “They had a meeting, they did not discuss the item. Not on an agenda. They passed it without discussion. How does that happen?”
He added, “I don’t think it happens without people talking behind the scenes.”
The land, located next to the Freedom Tower, is appraised at about $67 million — and could be worth hundreds of millions once developed. Under the deal, the Trump library would only have to be part of the development, which could also include retail, a hotel, or even condos.
“No president should be given that land, including Obama,” Dunn said. “It should not be given to anyone.”
In response, MDC Board Vice Chair Roberto Alonso said, “The District Board of Trustees followed all applicable Florida Sunshine guidelines.”
Dunn says he is also working with an attorney as he considers filing a lawsuit.
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