Trump University Live Events Class Action Settlement

A settlement has been reached in two class action lawsuits alleging Donald J. Trump and Trump University failed to deliver the quality of programs and events as promised. If you purchased a Trump University program, you may be entitled to benefits from the class action settlement.

The Trump University settlement will resolve two class action lawsuits filed by Trump University students who claim the Trump defendants made certain misrepresentations about Live Events.

In one of the class action lawsuits, plaintiff Art Cohen alleges that Donald J. Trump engaged in a fraudulent scheme to sell real estate seminars and mentorships, in violation of federal law.

He says Trump misled Class Members that they would learn Trump’s real estate techniques through him and “handpicked” professors at Trump University. The Cohen class action lawsuit (Cohen v. Donald J. Trump) will represent a nationwide Class.

In a related Trump University class action lawsuit (Low v. Trump University LLC, et al.), the plaintiffs allege that the Trump defendants made similar misrepresentations about Trump University Live Events in violation of California, Florida and New York laws.

The plaintiffs claim that, instead of delivering the promised training for entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence by investing in real estate, “Trump University is more like an infomercial, selling non-accredited products, such as sales workshops, luring customers in with the name and reputation of its founder and Chairman, billionaire land mogul Donald J. Trump.”

The Trump defendants deny any wrongdoing. However, they have agreed to settle the Trump University class action lawsuits to avoid the burden and expense of ongoing litigation.

The Trump University class action lawsuits were scheduled to go to trial on Nov. 28, 2016. Trump, who had been elected President of the United States on Nov. 9, sought to postpone the trial as he prepared to take office. His request was denied and the Trump University settlement was announced about a week before the trial was scheduled to begin.

If you would like to object to the Trump University class action settlement, you must do so by Mar. 6, 2017.

UPDATE: On March 31, 2017, a federal judge signed off on a class action settlement against Trump University, finding that the parties arrived at an agreement that was “fair, reasonable, and adequate.”

UPDATE 2: On Feb. 6, 2018, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to the $25 million Trump University class action settlement, which means that eligible Class Members who filed timely and valid claims are one step closer to receiving payment.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members of the Trump University settlement include: “Anyone who purchased a Trump University Live Event in the United States from 2007 through May 23, 2010, and has not received a full refund.”

Live Events include any in-person seminar and/or “Bronze,” “Silver” or “Gold Elite” programs, including an in-person mentorship.

NOTE: This settlement only applies to those who purchased Live Events from Trump University in the United States. If you purchased a Live Event from Trump Institute, Trump Entrepreneur Initiative, Trump Education, Trump University in Canada or any other Trump entity, you are not eligible for benefits from the Trump University Settlement. You are also not part of the class action settlement if you only purchased an online course or phone coaching from Trump University.

Potential Award

Varies, depending on how much money you spent on Trump University Live Events, whether you previously received a refund, and the total number of Class Members who submit Claim Forms.

The settlement website suggests that each Class Member can expect to receive approximately 50 percent of their money back on their purchase of Trump University Live Events, though this amount could increase if some Class Members do not file claims.

Proof of Purchase

The Claim Form asks Class Members to provide as much detail about the purchase of Live Events and any refund that was received. Such details include the name of seminar, workshop or mentorship; name of speaker, instructor or mentor; date of purchase or attendance; price paid; location of Live Event; and the date and amount of refund (if applicable).

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

3/6/2017

NOTE: A PDF of the Claim Form is available for download here.

Case Name

Low, et al. v. Trump University LLC, et al., Case No. 3:10-cv-00940, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and Cohen v. Donald J. Trump, Case No. 3:13-cv-02519, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Final Hearing

3/30/2017

UPDATE 2: On May 1, 2017, an appeal to the Trump University class action settlement was filed.  Claims will not be paid until all appeals are exhausted.  We appreciate your ongoing patience. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more. 

UPDATE 3: On February 6, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Appeals Court affirmed the District Court’s final approval of the Trump University class action settlement. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our  Facebook page.

Settlement Website

www.TrumpUniversityLitigation.com

Claims Administrator

Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York
ATTN: Trump Restitution Fund
c/o Epiq Systems Inc.
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016

Phone: 866-841-7311
Fax: 212-533-7505
restitution@NewYork.BBB.org

Class Counsel

ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP

ZELDES HAEGGQUIST & ECK LLP

Defense Counsel

O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP