Trump settles Trump University lawsuits for $25m

Donald Trump listens as Michael Sexton speaks at the launch of the Trump University investment school in 2005

Donald Trump has settled three Trump University lawsuits for $25m (£20m), the New York Attorney General has said. 

The US president-elect was being sued by former students who paid $35,000 (£28,000) for real estate "secrets" from his "hand-picked" instructors. Mr Trump had repeatedly said he would not settle the class-action lawsuits.


Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the settlement was a "stunning reversal" by Mr Trump and a "major victory" for victims. But Mr Trump's lawyer Daniel Petrocelli said his client was pleased with the outcome, saying "he was willing to sacrifice his personal interests, put this behind him, and move forward".

The businessman faced three fraud lawsuits - which alleged the school misled students and failed to deliver on its promises - in California and New York.

A trial in one of the cases had been due to begin in San Diego on 28 November, although Mr Trump's lawyers had attempted to delay the case.

Donald Trump's ongoing lawsuits
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement: "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.

"The victims of Trump University have waited years for today's result and I am pleased that their patience - and persistence - will be rewarded by this $25 million settlement."