Judge Orders Investigation into Government Officials Over DC Golf Course Dispute

A federal judge in Washington announced Friday that the court will formally investigate whether government attorneys committed ethical violations in the dispute over the East Potomac Golf Course. Judge Ana Reyes stated that the court intends to appoint a special master to aid in the inquiry.

The case involves a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League to prevent the Interior Department from closing the historic golf course and replacing it with a championship-style course. While that litigation was ongoing, the government agreed in court to provide notice to the DC Preservation League regarding any efforts to permanently alter the course.

However, the government issued notice late on a Friday before a three-day weekend, indicating it would begin cutting trees at the course over the weekend. Work commenced early the following morning, with more than 400 trees being removed. This action drew criticism from Judge Reyes and prompted a court review to determine if the government had misled the court.

During Friday's hearing, Reyes questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward about the government's previous statements regarding its plans to close the golf course on November 15. Woodward had stated in an October 19 evidentiary hearing that "there is no plan to close the course" by that date. This statement contrasted with a later post on President Trump's social media platform announcing the course's closure on November 15 for renovations.

A Tuesday ruling from Reyes had previously criticized the administration's plans for the golf course, concluding that the administration likely violated environmental laws. In her ruling, Reyes noted the unusual circumstance of the government appearing to contradict the sitting president's public statements.

Reyes ordered the administration to provide the court with 10 business days' written notice before making any irreparable modifications to the course and East Potomac Park.

Woodward, under questioning, maintained that no final plan had been finalized as a legal matter. Reyes had previously rejected a motion filed by Woodward to disqualify her from the case, citing impartiality concerns.

The special master, once appointed, will be tasked with investigating whether government lawyers, potentially including high-ranking Justice Department officials, made false statements, withheld information, failed to correct false testimony, or interfered with the accuracy of written testimony. The government will have an opportunity to object to the special master's appointment.