The Trump and Truth Store in Huntley officially closed its doors Sunday after months of legal disputes and eviction proceedings. But owner Lisa Fleischmann says this isn’t the end. She’s already making plans for a bigger and more interactive version of her politically themed retail business and hopes to launch an online shop by the end of August and open a new location by October.
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Eviction Settlement Reached
The trouble began when both Fleischmann and her landlord were cited by Huntley village officials for violations of local sign ordinances. Fleischmann’s refusal to correct the signage led the landlord to begin eviction proceedings against the shop. Just before the eviction trial was set to begin in June, both parties, along with their attorneys, agreed to a settlement. Under its terms, Fleischmann agreed to vacate the property by 6 p.m. on July 17 and pay the landlord’s legal fees and court costs, which, according to court documents, she has since done.
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Plans for a Bigger Store
Even before the legal dispute reached its conclusion, Fleischmann had made it clear she didn’t intend for her Huntley location to be permanent. She told reporters she had long hoped to relocate and is now actively searching for a new, more spacious site, ideally along Randall Road in Algonquin. She wants it near her home and easily accessible from Interstate 90. Fleischmann said her future store will be about “five times” larger than the previous space and will offer an expanded inventory of Trump-themed merchandise, including banners, customizable t-shirts, glassware, and memorabilia.
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Vision for Community Space
Fleischmann plans to transform the next shop into more than a retail outlet. Alongside Trump merchandise, she envisions Trump bingo nights, a kids’ craft center, and live music performances. “I want to create a place where people can talk,” she said, framing the space as a gathering spot for like-minded supporters.
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Online Shop Coming Soon
While work is underway to secure a new physical location, Fleischmann intends to keep her business alive online. She said her team is currently developing an e-commerce store, with the goal of launching by the end of August. Though a lease has not yet been finalized for the new retail space, Fleischmann remains optimistic that a new Trump and Truth Store will be up and running by October, offering customers both online and in-person shopping options.
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Political Tension Disputed
While some supporters believe the eviction was politically motivated, both Huntley officials and landlord attorney Joe Gottemoller have denied it. Gottemoller emphasized it was a matter of code enforcement. “The landlord owns the building and just wants a tenant who follows the rules,” he stated.
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Past Legal Troubles Surface
Adding to Fleischmann’s recent challenges, she faced unrelated legal trouble last month when she missed a court appearance for a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license. A warrant for her arrest was briefly issued but rescinded after she appeared in court the following week. Though the warrant was quashed, the case against her remains open, further adding to the series of complications surrounding the store and its owner in recent months.
