A lawsuit has temporarily blocked the transfer of a downtown Miami property earmarked for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library, with a retired academic alleging violations of Florida’s transparency laws. The case involves Dr. Marvin Dunn, a 85-year-old far-left political activist and former psychology professor at Florida International University, who claims the Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees failed to comply with the state’s “Government in the Sunshine” law.
The dispute centers on a $66 million state-owned parcel adjacent to Miami’s historic Freedom Tower, approved for transfer to the Trump Foundation. Dunn argues the board did not provide sufficient public notice before a meeting where the decision was made. A court ruling in October 2025 has paused the transaction, requiring either an appeal or a new public vote.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and his cabinet had previously supported the plan, calling the site ideal for a cultural and tourist landmark. Dunn, known for his progressive activism and frequent comparisons of Trump to Adolf Hitler, has long opposed the library’s development. The case highlights tensions over public accountability in government decisions involving high-profile projects.