Trump seeks to block release of Trump University testimony

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal judge who has been a target of Donald Trump's unending scorn must decide whether to release videos of the presumed Republican presidential nominee testifying in a lawsuit about the now-defunct Trump University — images that Trump's attorneys worry will be used to tarnish the campaign.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel faces Trump's attorneys Wednesday for the first time since he permitted the release of unrelated documents in a class-action lawsuit alleging fraud, a move that led Trump to intensify his unusual attacks on the judge that included mention of his Mexican heritage.

"The near certainty that the video depositions would be used for political purposes — having nothing to do with the merits of this litigation — only underscores the court's duty to prevent misuse of these judicial proceedings," Trump's attorneys wrote.

Trump's tone, facial expressions, gestures and body language show "complete and utter unfamiliarity" with Trump University's instructors and instruction, despite the business mogul's previous statements that he was extensively involved, the attorneys wrote.