Judge Rules: Trump Must Face Trial for Racketeering in Trump U. Suit

Federal District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel has ruled that Donald J. Trump, founder of Trump University, must face civil trial for fraud and racketeering under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”).  Trump had moved for summary judgment in a last-ditch effort to block a class-action trial scheduled to begin right after the national election.   Denying the motion, Judge Curiel ruled that there were genuine issues of material fact for trial as to whether Trump had personally committed fraud and racketeering.  If Trump loses, he is liable for three times the damages suffered by the students who paid tuition.  This could amount to many tens of millions of dollars.