A New York judge ruled Tuesday that a fraud case against Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump relating to his now defunct school for real estate entrepreneurs can go forward to trial.
Democrat New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman charged Trump and others of defrauding thousands of students who went to his school and running and unlicensed educational institution since it opened its doors in 2005.
Schneiderman alleges that students were persuaded to spend money on expensive classes, via “bait and switch” schemes, led by real estate specialists chosen by Trump himself.
Trump reportedly defended his school, which closed in 2010, calling it “terrific” and claimed it had high approval ratings from its students.
The lawsuit seeks restitution and damages for over 5,000 students nationwide, including 600 New Yorkers, who paid up to $35,000 each to attend Trump’s school.