Trump University, launched in 2005, promised to teach students the art of real estate investment and entrepreneurshipwith the attraction of learning from Trump “hand picked” instructors. However, what began as a venture to quickly capitalize on Trump’s celebrity status turned into a legal nightmare.

The “university” was marketed as an institution where students can learn the secrets of real estate investing. Promotional materials touted that attendees would have access to exclusive knowledge and strategies that could lead to wealth and success in real estate, as well as the opportunity to network with successful real estate professionals.

He offered seminars and mentoring programs at high pricesranging from $1,495 for a one-year “apprenticeship” to $35,000 for “Gold Elite” courses.

The university said its professors were “great people” with proven track records in the real estate field. personally selected by Trump to share their ideas and strategies. Higher-level packages included mentoring from experienced real estate investors, promising personalized advice to help students achieve their financial goals.

Not what we pretended to be

Far from the prestigious institution it claims to be, Trump University was neither a university nor did it grant degrees. Instead, More than 5,000 people across the country have been victims to what New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman called a “classic bait-and-switch scheme.”

As complaints mounted, Trump University found itself embroiled in several trials included two class action lawsuits in California and a civil lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General. Under oath, Trump admitted that he had no direct involvement in instructor selection or curriculum developmentcontradicting that of the university marketing story.

Despite Trump’s initial promises to fight these allegations, legal pressure mounted and just days after the 2016 election, Trump agreed to a $25 million settlement.

The scandal remains a powerful reminder that, in both business and politics, actions speak louder than words.