Palm Beach officials have asked a federal court to take over a $25 million lawsuit that Donald Trump filed against the town, claiming it involves a constitutional question.
Trump sued last month in Palm Beach County Circuit Court after town officials threatened to fine the real-estate mogul unless he removed a large American flag atop an 80-foot pole at his Mar-a-Lago Club or apply for permits.
Last week, town officials voted to fine him $1,250 a day after he refused to take down the flag. They say the flagpole violates town codes because it is taller than 42 feet.
Trump claims the town is selectively enforcing its codes and his free speech rights were violated.
Telephone messages left at a law firm that represents Trump and at the offices of the town’s mayor and council weren’t immediately returned late Monday night.
Trump’s club hoisted the 15-by-25-foot flag atop the 80-foot pole at the sprawling waterfront site on Oct 3. The town had given him until Nov. 27 to remove the flag or apply for approvals.
Copyright © 2024 by Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.