East Potomac Golf Course fight takes new turn as judge puts DOJ under scrutiny
WASHINGTON, DC: The East Potomac Golf Course case has taken a dramatic turn as a judge has ordered an inquiry into whether the Trump administration misled her in the ongoing lawsuit over President Donald Trump's plan to redevelop the golf course.
The development comes after Judge Ana Reyes criticized federal lawyers for failing to inform the court about the removal of hundreds of trees at the golf course.
In an earlier ruling, Reyes barred further tree removal or damage at the park and required advance notice before irreversible changes. Trump subsequently said his administration would proceed with the renovation plans despite the court's restrictions.
Judge opens formal inquiry into DOJ's handling of East Potomac golf course case
In a latest development in the East Potomac court case, originally brought by a preservation group and individual golfers against the Trump administration, Judge Ana Reyes has announced a formal inquiry into whether government officials and Justice Department attorneys made misrepresentations to the court or violated professional ethics rules.
“The court will open a formal inquiry into whether agency officials and employees, including agency attorneys and DOJ attorneys, have made misrepresentations to the court and otherwise violated ethical rules,” the judge said.
Reyes began Friday's hearing by reminding Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the Justice Department's third-highest-ranking official, about the professional ethics rules he must follow as an attorney appearing before the court.
As they continued to spar, the judge at one point told Woodward to “finish that thought internally” and to “talk about it at drinks with your friends.”
“We’re not on TV. I’m not a pundit,” Woodward pushed back at another point.
The lawsuit, brought by the DC Preservation League and individual golfers, challenges the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the historic golf course, which sits on National Park Service land. The plaintiffs argue that the proposed redevelopment is unlawful.
Trump vows to push ahead with East Potomac golf course plans
Hours after US District Judge Ana Reyes issued an order on Monday, October 26, restricting further work that could damage the park, President Donald Trump said his administration would proceed with plans to renovate the public East Potomac Golf Course.
In a Truth Social post late on Monday, the president said “we are closing the East Potomac Golf Course Site as scheduled” on Nov. 15.
He argued that the judge “does not have the Constitutional Right to ‘ask for or receive notices,’ which are time-consuming, unnecessary, expensive, and unconstitutional.”
“We will immediately appeal this decision,” Trump said. “When completed, it is anticipated that this Course, which will be open to the Public, at a reduced rate for those living in Washington, DC, will be one of the finest anywhere in the World.”
The case stems from President Donald Trump’s ambition to transform East Potomac Golf Links into an exclusive, championship-caliber golf course capable of hosting major professional tournaments.
