Topline
Ex-aide Omarosa Manigault alleged that former President Donald Trump violated her confidentiality agreement by publishing a book on his administration. The arbitration hearing was unsuccessful. This is just one of many failed legal attempts by Trump and his allies, to punish authors who publish damaging books about him or his presidency.
Donald Trump, former President, speaks at a rally in Perry on September 25, 2021. Getty Images
The Key Facts
T. Andrew Brown, an arbitrator, ruled that Manigault didn't violate her NDA for her 2019 book Unhinged. He said the book was largely composed of opinions that she couldn't have known would be considered confidential and therefore did not breach her NDA. The ruling was released to the parties Monday. The Trump administration tried unsuccessfully to block John Boltons book The Room Where It Happens in court. Then, a criminal investigation was opened into the ex-aide to try to stop him profiting from the book. The Biden administration dropped the lawsuit in June. Trump's Justice Department sued Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, an ex-White House aide, for violating her NDA. They claimed that the book's profits should be paid to the federal government. However, the Biden administration dropped the lawsuit in February. After refusing to accept a Trump Justice Department media ban, Michael Cohen was sent back into prison. A judge then sided in Cohen's favor and sent him back into home confinement. The DOJ eventually dropped the media ban in July 2020. Trump lawyers sent warning letters about possible legal action to stop the publication of Michael Wolffs Fire & Fury, and A Warningpenned anonymously by Miles Taylor. However, both books were published and no litigation was ever filed.
Big Number
There are more than 1,200. According to an NPD BookScan analysis, more than 1,200 books were published about Trump's presidency by August 2020. This number has only increased over time.
Important Quote
The judge stated that Trump's argument in the case was to demand Manigault not to say anything critical of Trump, his family, or any of his businesses, for the rest her life.
What to Watch
Shira A. Scheindlin, a retired U.S. District Judge, stated to the Times that the Manigaults arbitration case does not create a precedent that will automatically apply to any future Trump cases in which White House aides have violated their NDAs. The Times was told by Cliff Palefsky that the decision could be persuasive in other cases, even though it isn't an official legal precedent.
Important Background
Over the years, both journalists and administration personnel have shared unflattering information about Trump's White House. These stories often end up on bestseller lists. They also include bombshell claims like Trump allegedly paying someone to take his SATs or asking China for help in his election. The books are still being written, even though Trump is no longer in office. Stephanie Grisham, former Trump White House Press Secretary, is the next ex-chief of staff. Reports indicate that the book will contain details about Trump telling Vladimir Putin he was just acting tough for the cameras. Melania Trump also distancing himself from him in response to his infidelities.
Continue reading
Trump loses case to enforce Omarosa Manigault Newmans N.D.A. (New York Times).
Trump Books Keep Coming and Readers Can't Stop Buying (New York Times).
Feds Drop Trump-Era Lawsuit Against John Boltons Book, End Criminal Probe
Michael Cohen Cleared To Publish Tell-All As Trump Administration Backs Off Media Ban (Forbes)
Judge Denies Trump Family Request to Block Mary Trump's Tell-All Book (Forbes).
