In case you haven’t noticed, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is a little bit sue-happy. For example, during the past year he has repeatedly stated that he wants to loosen libel laws in the United States so that he can sue MORE people. Legal scholars laughed, as libel laws are well-established and are upheld by both liberal and conservative scholars alike. Good luck with that, they said.
So you probably won’t be surprised to hear that this behavior is not a new development.
In 1984 he sued two brothers who had the misfortune of sharing the same last name as the Donald. South African-born Eddie and Jules Trump were businessmen who had recently bought a number of drug stores in America under the name “The Trump Group.” Donald wasn’t having any of that, and proceeded to sic his legal team onto the brothers. The lawsuit read:
“The defendants are South Africans whose recent entrance in the New York area utilizing the name ‘the Trump Group’ can only be viewed as a poorly veiled attempt at trading on the goodwill, reputation and financial credibility of the plaintiff.”
That’s right, Donald Trump was accusing the brothers of wronging him for using THEIR OWN NAME. The courts agreed that the idea was as ridiculous as it sounds, and the lawsuit failed.
For their part, Eddie and Jules Trump aren’t bitter. In fact, they’ve done quite well for themselves. In 2009 a real estate publication noted that the brothers have quietly built their own mini real estate empire, specializing in luxury buildings in Florida and other places. They’ve found their names on influential businessman lists, as well. Guess whose name wasn’t there?
As they say, living well is the best revenge.
As for Donald Trump, doesn’t look like his habits are going to change anytime soon. In fact, the behavior has earned a little Seth McFarlane treatment.
Well, the man is consistent. His lawyers certainly earn their money, don’t they?
Feature image via Youtube screengrab
