The fiasco began when Trump claimed in his presidential announcement speech that most Mexican immigrants were criminals and "rapists," with only some, he assumes, being "good people." Univision took offense to the comments and refused to air the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants (which are both are co-owned by Trump). Trump responded with a lawsuit, a ban of Univision employees from the Trump National Doral Miami resort, claims that the network was bowing to the Mexican government, and publicly tweeting Univision news anchor Jorge Ramos' cell phone number.
Levine Cava has now issued a letter to Mayor Carlos Gimenez calling for the county to dissociate itself from Trump.
Dear Mayor Gimenez,The Trump National Doral Miami is probably Trump's most notable property in Miami, but he also partnered with developers Gil and Michael Dezer to build the Trump Towers and Trump Grande properties in Sunny Isles Beach.
I trust you have followed the recent statements made by Donald Trump concerning the Hispanic community. In response to his hurtful and demeaning comments, our long-standing corporate community member, Univision, has ended its relationship with Mr. Trump's Miss Universe event. Now, Mr. Trump has taken an extreme position against Univision, saying they are practically persona non grata at his property.
I feel that Mr. Trump has shown great disrespect to our vibrant Hispanic community and to one of our community's most respected corporate members. With Mr. Trump failing to offer an apology to the Hispanic community of Univision, it is only right to prohibit any official sanctioned events from taking place at any Trump properties located in Miami-Dade County. We must take this step to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not utilized at Mr. Trump's properties given his recent views that have insulted so many.
While it is never easy to take these actions, I feel that it is right and just since our County had continued to thrive through the hard work and perseverance of our diverse Hispanic residents. Though I know that Mr. Trump's comments do not deter the continued hard work of our resilient residents, they stand in contrast to who we are as a County.
Thank you for your attention to the matter.
Sincerely,
Daniella Levine Cava
Commissioner
District 8
Mayor Gimenez and Trump certainly know each other. A game of golf between the two last year led to an ethics probe.
Cc: @SandraPeeblesTV @jorgeramosnews @PedaleaBernie @santanaradio7 @RobertoRTejera @helenaguirrefer @newschica pic.twitter.com/MDPZI3I5wP
— Daniella Levine Cava (@DLCAVA) June 29, 2015