A Cook County judge ruled that Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago violated state and federal environmental laws, impacting the Chicago River's aquatic life. The building's cooling system, which draws up to 21 million gallons of water daily, significantly harmed fish populations by discharging heated water and trapping fish. The Illinois Attorney General's 2018 lawsuit, supported by environmental groups like the Sierra Club and Friends of the Chicago River, led to this ruling. Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson found Trump Tower liable on all counts, with further hearings to determine civil penalties. The ruling emphasized the need for compliance with laws protecting natural resources, holding Trump Tower accountable for its environmental impact.