Former President Donald Trump has been granted a significant legal triumph as a federal judge has dismissed a civil trial against him, providing him with much-needed relief.
The case involved “the former president’s support of a multi-level marketing company,” with the judge “ruling that the Manhattan federal court wasn’t the best place to try the case,” Business Insider reported.
The trial for the multi-level marketing case, which was initially set for January 29, was instigated by a group of plaintiffs who claimed to have been deceived by a company named ACN. They alleged that they had invested substantial amounts of money, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, in registration fees and workshops with the intention of learning how to sell a “videophone” device, which had become outdated in the era of the iPhone.
According to the outlet’s report, they also accused Trump of misleading them by featuring the company on “The Apprentice” and participating in various promotional videos and live events, despite being aware of the situation.
The original case was filed in 2018 and had been progressing through the legal system, with Trump and his family members, who were employed by the Trump Organization, providing depositions.
In October, Trump achieved a victory when the case was denied class-action status, narrowing its focus. Recently, U.S. District Judge Lorna Schofield, appointed by Obama, determined that the Manhattan federal court was no longer the most suitable venue for the trial.
“The only remaining claims are the common law and statutory claims of three Plaintiffs arising respectively under the laws of California, Maryland and Pennsylvania where they respectively reside, with total out-of-pocket losses said to be roughly $7,000,” Schofield wrote in her ruling.
“Even though discovery has been completed and certain motions decided, retaining jurisdiction would not serve economy or convenience,” she added.
Roberta Kaplan, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, stated that despite this, the trial could still proceed, albeit in an alternative location.
“Today’s decision addresses only where — not if — Plaintiffs’ claims should be brought to trial,” she told Business Insider. “We intend to continue the fight, and our brave clients look forward to their day in court.”