Donald Trump Threatens Suit Against 'Urge Macy's to Dump Trump' Campaign

Real estate tycoon Donald Trump is in the news again threatening an internet campaigner with a multi-million dollar lawsuit for urging Macy's to rid its stores of Trump merchandise and to drop "The Donald" from its ads.

Thirty-year-old Angelo Carusone is the brainchild behind the "Urge Macy's to Dump Trump" campaign, an online petition that has gathered over a hundred thousand signatures demanding that the retailer cut ties with the billionaire because of his  "especially unpleasant, nasty and despicable behaviour", the Guardian reports. Now the campaign founder could be going to trial after Trump's attorney threatened Carusone with a $25 million lawsuit.

"You are hereby forewarned that in the event that you continue your unlawful actions, including, without limitation, your interference with contract, Mr Trump will immediately sue you for compensatory, consequential and punitive damages, and seek not less than $25,000,000.00 in damages,"  Trump attorney, Alan Garten, wrote to Carusone in a letter dated December 27.

After receiving the letter, Carusone considered ending his campaign but after some thought he doubled down and decided to continue pushing on. 

"These things can get messy, and I'm aware of that, and Donald Trump is volatile, and extremely wealthy, so that's a potent combination right there, and he seemed very frustrated," Carusone told the Guardian, adding "For me the worst thing is to succumb to bullying and intimidation."

With the help of an attorney working pro bono, Carusone reached out to Trump's lawyer and requested evidence for the defamatory allegations. In the meantime his "Dump Trump" campaign continues unabated.

Garten told the Guardian the campaign has no impact on Trump merchandise sales but he warned a lawsuit is possible.

"Sales are doing great, but it doesn't mean we're gonna sit back and allow a guy like this, who is a loser, to interfere with agreements we have with Macy's and others," he said.

Trump has a history of pursing lawsuits against people who attack his character and businesses. He sued Miss Pennsylvania, Sheena Monnin, and was awarded $5 million after she said Trump's Miss USA pageant is fixed. Trump has also sued Bill Maher for $5 million dollars because the comedian said Trump is part orangutan.