A federal judge announced Friday she is launching an investigation into attorneys representing former President Donald Trump’s administration concerning plans to alter the East Potomac Park golf course in Washington, D.C. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes stated she will appoint a special master to lead the inquiry into whether government lawyers misrepresented facts to the court in their efforts to overhaul the public park.
The case gained attention after Trump announced on Truth Social in early November that the golf course would close on Nov. 15. The following day, Justice Department attorneys indicated there was no plan to close the park. However, the administration later confirmed plans to close the space.
During a contentious court hearing, Trump’s attorneys reportedly claimed ignorance of several key facts. One lawyer stated he was new to the case, while another official, when asked by Judge Reyes if Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was involved in the project, questioned the meaning of “involved.” Reyes reportedly produced a dictionary to read the definition.
Assistant Attorney General Stanley Woodward also reportedly attempted to halt questioning of an Interior Department official, prompting Reyes to remark, “It sounds like you don’t want him to answer a very straightforward question.”
Earlier in the week, Reyes had ordered that no further trees be removed from the park and that no major alterations be made. In her written ruling, Reyes expressed concern that the Department of Justice appeared to be asking the court to disregard the sitting president's public statements and claims regarding the project.
"Rarely, if ever, has the United States Department of Justice urged a federal court not to believe the sitting President," Reyes wrote. "Not to believe him that a cabinet secretary has ‘developed’ a federal land project. Not to believe him that the secretary’s agency will destroy a historic golf course already on the land. Not to believe him that ‘Restoration work’ will begin ‘IMMEDIATELY!’ Not to believe him that the course ‘will be closed’ for over a year. Not to believe what the President has repeatedly told the American public."
She added, "This started as a case about golf. That good walk spoiled. But it has become much more. It now forces the Court to reconcile assertions by President Donald J. Trump with the sworn testimony of multiple government employees and the argument of senior Department of Justice attorneys." The investigation is expected to commence in the coming days.