NEW YORK — A judge has rejected claims that President Donald Trump and his three eldest children engaged in racketeering against people who lost money in a marketing company Trump promoted.

Wednesday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Lorna Schofield came after several individuals sued Trump, saying he violated federal anti-racketeering laws by falsely reassuring them he had adequately researched the company, known as ACN.

Trump had endorsed the company in speeches and on “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

Schofield threw out the claims on the grounds that the lawsuit filed last year in Manhattan federal court did not sufficiently explain how Trump and his family could have caused the losses to individuals.

Lawyers who sued claimed that victims lost at least $500 while some lost thousands of dollars. Messages for comment were left with lawyers.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.