A federal judge initiated a formal inquiry on Friday to determine whether Justice Department attorneys and Trump administration officials misled the court regarding plans to renovate the East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C.
During a nearly three-hour hearing, U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes questioned Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward regarding the administration's legal representations. Reyes examined whether officials attempted to bypass court review, pointing to a last-minute notice preceding the removal of hundreds of trees at the site and earlier assertions that no formal renovation plan existed, despite President Donald Trump's public statements.
The investigation, expected to be handled by a court-appointed special master, centers on whether government attorneys violated professional conduct rules. Reyes emphasized that she has not yet made a finding of misconduct, but will consider potential sanctions following the inquiry.
The legal dispute stems from a challenge brought by preservationists and golfers seeking to block changes to the property. While the administration appeals a previous ruling that halted further tree removal at the course, Reyes also ordered all involved attorneys to retain relevant documents related to the case.
