An arbitrator ruled in favor of Omarosa Manigault Newman in a case brought by Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, claiming that she violated a confidentiality agreement with the publication of her book Unhinged and in other public appearances.
The arbitrator, T. Andrew Brown, concluded that the agreement was invalid under New York contract law, finding that it was “vague and unenforceable.”
“Defining confidential information as ‘all information (whether or not embodied in any media) of a private, proprietary or confidential nature or that Mr. Trump insists is private or confidential’ is so indefinite that there is no way for [Manigault Newman] to know what information should be kept confidential under the Agreement,” Brown wrote. He also awarded attorney fees and costs.
Manigault Newman, who appeared on The Apprentice and later served in the Trump White House, published Unhinged in 2018. Trump and his White House critics condemned Manigault Newman’s highly critical account of her former boss. Trump claimed that she broke an agreement signed in 2016.
In a statement, Manigault Newman said, “Clearly, I am very happy with this ruling . Donald has used this type of vexatious litigation to intimidate, harass and bully for years! Finally the bully has met his match!”
Her attorney, John Phillips, said, “We’ve won in Donald Trump and the Trump Campaign’s chosen forum. They now owe attorney’s fees. Whether the Campaign tries to bankrupt out of this ruling or it energizes more people to come forward and blow the whistle on corrupt government, it’s a win we can all be proud of. Kudos to Omarosa Manigault Newman for coming forward and taking this on.”
Trump himself did not address the loss in arbitration, but said in a statement, “I gave Omarosa three attempts at The Apprentice and she failed. I offered her a chance at the White House, and she failed. People hated her. At least now I don’t have to let her fail anymore.