A federal judge has ordered a formal investigation into whether government officials and attorneys misled the court and violated ethics rules during legal proceedings over President Donald Trump’s plans to redevelop East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes announced the inquiry Friday during a contentious hearing, stating it would examine whether Justice Department and Interior Department officials, including Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., made misrepresentations or acted in bad faith. The probe will also assess whether officials violated professional ethics rules in their handling of the case.
The investigation follows repeated clashes between Reyes and government lawyers over the administration’s plans to renovate and temporarily close the golf course, including details about a redesign submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission. The judge has not yet appointed a special master to oversee the inquiry but has given the Justice Department five days to object to the proposed appointment.
Key Developments in the Case
The judge’s decision comes after a series of contradictory statements and last-minute disclosures by the Trump administration. For weeks, officials insisted there were no imminent plans to close the park, despite the president’s Truth Social posts outlining his vision for the project. On Wednesday, the Justice Department admitted in court filings that the administration does plan to close East Potomac Park—including the golf course, surrounding roads, and recreation areas—by November 15. The filing also included a rendering of a redesigned course by architect Tom Fazio, submitted to the planning commission.
During Friday’s hearing, Reyes criticized government attorneys for what she described as an intentional delay in disclosing plans. The judge highlighted that hundreds of trees were removed hours before a court notice was filed, raising concerns about judicial review evasion. Associate Attorney General Woodward told the court he could not interpret the president’s statements on Truth Social, saying it would be “improper” for him to explain the president’s intent.
Scope of the Investigation
Reyes’ inquiry will focus on three primary areas:
Tree Removal and Court Notices: Whether officials timed tree removals to avoid judicial scrutiny and whether the court was properly notified of the work.
Declarations and Omissions: Whether government lawyers instructed officials—such as Jessica Bowron (acting director of the National Park Service) and Kevin Griess (superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks)—to omit or include specific information in their court declarations regarding the golf course overhaul.
Contradictory Statements: Whether Justice Department attorneys misrepresented the administration’s plans in court filings and hearings, including statements about the November 15 closure date and the redesign process.
Reactions and Responses
The Justice Department has not yet publicly commented on the judge’s decision. Democracy Forward, the legal group representing plaintiffs challenging the redevelopment, has not responded to requests for comment.
President Trump, meanwhile, criticized the judge on Truth Social, stating that Reyes would be “fully responsible” for any injuries or fatalities at the golf course. He described the course as “dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting,” claiming golf balls travel at high speeds, posing risks to players.
Background of the Legal Battle
The dispute over East Potomac Golf Links stems from Trump’s proposed $2.1 million renovation, which includes redesigning the course and temporarily closing it for construction. The project has faced legal challenges from advocacy groups, who argue the administration failed to conduct proper environmental reviews and misled the public about its intentions.
Reyes has blocked multiple aspects of the plan in recent weeks, including the tree removals and construction activities. The judge’s latest order signals a potential escalation in the scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the case.
Next Steps
The Justice Department has five days to respond to the judge’s proposed appointment of a special master. Reyes has indicated she will conduct the inquiry herself but will be assisted by a neutral arbiter to determine whether officials and attorneys engaged in misconduct.