Lighter side: Trump threatens critics with libel suit

Donald Trump has threatened a group with a libel suit over an attack ad pointing out political inconsistencies in his campaign.

Donald Trump has decided to take on the group responsible for a series of hilarious advertisements pointing out his presidential candidacy inconsistencies by having his lawyer fire off a fantastic cease and desist letter, warning of dire consequences.

“Simply stated, your Attack Ad is not only completely disingenuous, but replete with outright lies, false, defamatory and destructive statements and downright fabrications which you fully know to be untrue, thereby exposing you and your so-called “club” to liability for damages and other tortious harm,” general counsel of the Trump Organization, Alan Garten wrote.  

The basis for the Club for Growth’s attack is a video of a statement Trump made back in 2004, where he said in many ways he identifies more as a Democrat rather than a Republican.

“While your Attack Ad blatantly misrepresents to the public that Mr. Trump ‘supports higher taxes’, nothing could be further from the truth,” the letter to the Club for Growth continued.

“To be clear, Mr. Trump’s tax plan, which is scheduled to the released later this week, supports the lowering of taxes.”

Wow, lawyered.

Club for Growth’s biggest beef with Trump’s candidacy is fairly weak, based on an off-the-cuff comment he made in 2000, saying that the wealthy kick in more over the short term to eliminate the debt. 

But Trump seems to have had the last laugh, strategically declaring Club for Growth political scam artists, according to Above the Law.

“As I am sure you recall, it was only a few short months ago that you very openly and shamelessly attempted to extort Mr. Trump to the tune of $1 million in exchange for your political support,” said a letter from the Trump camp to the so-called club.

“Indeed, you were not even the least bit discreet about your motives in that, after meeting with Mr. Trump, you immediately followed up with a June 2, 2015 letter requesting a ‘contribution of $1 million’ in exchange for an endorsement by your organization’s political action committee…. American politics at its worst. If that is not a “shake-down”, I do not know what IS.”

See Club for Growth's Attack Ad below.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_OEijvTi0NE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent articles & video

Allens assists Seraya Partners with landmark acquisition of ASX lister

Law Council of Australia, ACT Bar call out underfunding in legal aid sector

NSW Law Soc, LexisNexis team up on AI Glossary

Report recommends US federal courts award monetary damages for workplace misconduct

Report highlights racial challenges faced by South Asian partners in the UK

Michael Best & Friedrich enters California market by absorbing Los Angeles law firm

Most Read Articles

Revealing the top influencers in Australia’s legal profession for 2024

HSF helps consortium wth Ulinda Park BESS project financing

Federal Court fines employer for failing to issue payslips

Lander & Rogers brings in digital economy practice head